Winx on target in top trial
All set for Turnbull Stakes and rivals may be running scared
WINX’S stunning Flemington track gallop has the champion mare squarely on target for Turnbull Stakes glory – and scaring off potential rivals.
When nominations closed yesterday for Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 feature, there were only 11 entries — seven of which are also entered in the Bart Cummings on the same program.
The likelihood of the Winx factor influencing trainers to dodge the superstar prompted officials to extend Turnbull nominations until today. Unless there is an influx of fresh entries, Winx potentially could face just three rivals.
Hugh Bowman’s description of Winx’s work yesterday as “amazing” was accompanied by claims she had run the final 400m of a 1200m gallop in 21 seconds.
Trainer Chris Waller said the superstar actually clocked 23 seconds as she chased stablemate Japonisme on the course proper.
Winx has been installed as a $1.20 favourite to post her 21st consecutive win, ahead of Hu- midor ($5) and Harlem ($17).
While Waller was typically conservative in his appraisal of Winx’s form, he was clearly pleased.
“Both Hugh and I couldn’t have been any happier with the work,” he said.
“It was a good workout, which she recovered quickly from, I am therefore happy with her fitness.”
Bowman was unequivocal, describing the gallop as the best of Winx’s preparation.
Asked if trackmen had clocked Winx accurately at 21 seconds, Bowman said: “That’d be right. She had the ear muffs off and she was feeling really good in her action.
“And when she changed legs, I let her really run into the bridle and I don’t do that a lot at trackwork, but it was her main piece and she had the opportunity to use the course proper.
“I just go by feel and what I felt this morning was pretty much what I hoped to feel.
“The best thing about it was she was very relaxed.”