With the retirement of champion Winx, racegoers are looking for the next pin-up horse.
After seven wins in succession for a record of 11 from 14 starts, there are some anointing Mystic Journey the next Winx.
Ahead of Saturday’s Group One Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, trainer Adam Trinder has swept away those comparisons, saying he does not want to be disrespectful to Winx.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do to come to that standard,” Trinder said.
“We just take her (Mystic Journey) for what she is. She’s our little champion and that’s good enough for us.”
Mystic Journey arrived at Tony McEvoy’s Flemington stable at 6.30am on Friday after leaving Trinder’s Tasmanian stable at 7.30 the previous night.
Trinder attempts to make Mystic Journey’s trip as comfortable as possible, opening up the back of the truck to make a portable stable.
“It’s very similar to a normal evening at home,” Trinder said.
“The only difference is she’s travelling 300 kilometres in the interim, but she eats and drinks well, so she’s really settled and relaxed.”
This time, with McEvoy’s blessing, Mystic Journey has moved boxes to the second last in the row, the same as she has at home with a horse either side.
Trinder said Mystic Journey enjoys the company, and it allows her to be more relaxed than she was before the P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield last month.
Mystic Journey weighed in at 489kg on Friday, six kilograms lighter than her first-up run at Caulfield with Trinder saying the mare was ready to race having noticed in recent days how her work on the track had picked up.
“She really gives an indication at home that she knows when she’s coming up to a race,” Trinder said.
“She really starts to build within herself and she does get quite electric on the training track.
“The last three days of trackwork, it’s keep your finger underneath the neck strap and hold on tight.
“It’s no different leading into this assignment. Her bloodwork is great and she’s ready to go and run a helluva race.”
While Trinder is keen to extend Mystic Journey’s winning streak, he is not afraid of defeat.
The 2019 Cox Plate, 43 days away, is the long-term goal with Saturday’s race a pathway.
“We’d be disappointed if she didn’t run a place, but if she’s running through the line with good enthusiasm, that’s good enough for us,” Trinder said.
