Winx draws perfect barrier for tilt at defending Cox Plate crown

Cox Plate favourite Winx has had the first win ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated clash with Hartnell.

The defending champ has drawn perfectly, securing barrier 3 for Australia’s premier weight-for-age race at Moonee Valley.

Hartnell will start from gate 7.

French raider Vadamos (barrier 2) has also drawn well.

Winx will now almost certainly start favourite in Saturday’s $3 million race.

Meanwhile, hot favourite Chautauqua has drawn awkwardly in Friday night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes.

The star sprinter will start from barrier 1.

COX PLATE BARRIER DRAW

• Barrier 1 ? Yankee Rose.
• Barrier 2 ? Vadamos.
• Barrier 3 ? Winx.
• Barrier 4 ? Happy Clapper.
• Barrier 5 ? Awesome Rock.
• Barrier 6 ? Black Heart Bart.
• Barrier 7 ? Hartnell.
• Barrier 8 ? Happy Clapper.
• Barrier 9 ? Lucia Valentina.
• Barrier 10 ? Happy Trails.