Winx among nominations for Australian Cup

Champion mare Winx headlines the entries for the Australian Cup at Flemington but is more likely to race exclusively in Sydney this autumn.

Winx is one of 61 nominations for the $1.5 million 2000m race at Flemington on March 11.

She has raced in Melbourne three times, for three Group One wins, the past two Cox Plates at Moonee Valley and last year’s Caulfield Stakes.

Melbourne Cup winner Almandin is also among nominations for the Australlian Cup as are last year’s quinella pairing of Preferment and Awesome Rock.

A Chris Waller-trained stablemate of Winx, Preferment won the Australian Cup on protest while Awesome Rock came out in the spring to atone in the Emirates Stakes during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

A total of 66 entries have been received for Melbourne’s premier autumn sprint, the $1.25 million Newmarket Handicap over the straight 1200m course at Flemington,also on March 11.

Last year’s trifecta of The Quarterback, Black Heart Bart and Chautauqua have again been nominated to met again in 2017.

Mick Price has nominated Extreme Choice and Flying Artie while other quality three-year-olds entered include Astern and Spieth.

Nominations have also closed for the Australian Guineas on March 4 with Victoria Derby winner Prized Icon and Caulfield Guineas winner Divine Prophet headlining a star group of three-year-olds.