Ray Thomas (The Daily Telegraph)

NOT even a $16 million prizemoney lure to compete in the US is enough to stop superstar Winx from racing at The Championships at Randwick in April.
 

Trainer Chris Waller yesterday confirmed US organisers had made Winx the No.1 priority to compete for the richest prize in racing — the inaugural 1800m Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, Florida, on January 29.
 

But Waller and Winx’s owners are keen to concentrate on The Championships, where the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) is the mare’s primary mission. The winner of her past 13 races, Winx is spelling after her dominant Cox Plate win last month and won’t take on the likes of Arrogate and California Chrome on the Florida dirt track in January.

That US pair are the only two horses above Winx in the world rankings. TAB today releases the first market on the Queen Elizabeth. Winx will open at prohibitive odds of $1.80 ahead of arch rival Hartnell at $11. Omei Sword, a stablemate of Winx, and The United Stakes are $15.
 

The Australian Turf Club is recruiting international runners for The Championships.
 

“There are ongoing discussions with a number of European trainers,’’ ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said.
 

“I understand there is a good chance Qewy will return for the Sydney Cup and we would love to see a progressive stayer like Francis Of Assisi and the Caulfield Cup runner up Scottish race at The Championships.
 

“We are issuing invitations and we hope to have at least four international horses here for the autumn.’’