Trainer Chris Waller has decided his next move with the champion mare Winx.
Winx hammered her vials by eight lengths when winning her second Cox Plate last Saturday but Waller has decided to end her spring campaign after her Moonee Valley triumph.
Waller said he and the owners considered running the five-year-old in the Group I Emirates Stakes (2000m) in a fortnight but decided to put a decent spell ahead of what appears to be a soft $1.2 million pay cheque.
Waller said Winx had come through the Cox Plate well but pulled up with a minor abrasion in a hind leg, which the trainer has had treated with antibiotics to guard against any infection in the valuable mare.
Waller said he has not discussed Winx's autumn campaign nor any other plans for the daughter of Street Cry.
"Other options such as travelling overseas and returning for a third Cox Plate in 2017 are also items the owners and I will discuss in the near future," the Chris Waller Racing statement read.
"Serious consideration was given to running in the Mackinnon (Emirates) Stakes in two weeks. However, we have carefully deliberated on what is best for the horse as well as ensuring she spends a reasonable period in the spelling paddock.
"I really appreciate the admiration shown to her by racing fans and the public and it is an honour to share that experience with you all.
"Longevity is the key for this mare as it will provide many more special moments over the next 12 months and beyond."
Meanwhile, Cox Plate runner-up Hartnell is set to press on towards the Melbourne Cup.
Godolphin paid up for Hartnell in Monday's second acceptances and trainer John O'Shea said the imported galloper had taken no harm from the Cox Plate.
"He's come through the run better than I expected and I am happy with where he is at," O'Shea said in a statement. "James (McDonald) looked after him beautifully in the run, not punishing him late and letting him roll to the line.
"If at any stage we are not happy with him, we will have no hesitation in pulling him out."
