Up tempo no issue for Ecuador against Winx

Winx will be chasing her 20th win on end against a George Main Stakes field that includes Ecuador.

Adrian Bott wouldn’t be fazed if Gerald Ryan replicates his game plan to throw super mare Winx off her stride in the Group One George Main Stakes at Randwick.

Winx was stretched in her latest run in the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) on September 2, when Josh Parr urged Red Excitement to break away and build a 10-length lead before the champion overhauled him as the post loomed.

Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, was in awe of Parr’s audacity at Randwick and welcomed a repeat when Ecuador resumes her rivalry with the world’s best horse on turf.

“Josh Parr had the perfect measured race in front, on any other occasion he’s able to pull it off,” Bott said.

“It’s going to be very tactical (on Saturday). I guess the big question mark is Red Excitement and the tactics adopted by him this time round.

“We don’t mind the strong tempo either, he’s got the tactical speed if there isn’t any but if there is I’m sure a good strong tempo will also play into our hands as well.”

Epsom Handicap-bound Ecuador finished third behind Winx and Foxplay when the Chris Waller-trained star resumed racing in the Group Two Warwick Stakes (1400m) last month.

Waterhouse and Bott then lined up Ecuador in the Group Two Tramway Stakes over the same trip, where the eight-year-old placed fourth.

Bott welcomed the step up in trip this weekend, despite the presence of Winx, the $1.08 favourite with the TAB after the eight-strong field was confirmed on Wednesday.

“He’s going really well and 1600 metres is probably getting up to his preferred trip now.

“Last start he showed he was looking for a little bit further so the step up is ideal,” Bott said.

Ecuador was quoted as a $51 chance while Red Excitement was at $21 to end Winx’s winning streak at 19.

“How do you tip against Winx?” Bott asked.

“There’s not too many times you have a champion like that in a race that can actually get herself out of that sort of trouble. How do combat that?”