‘Best’ trial has Winx primed to dominate
WINX isn’t getting any younger but it seems age — like her opposition — hasn’t caught up with the great mare just yet.
She is now a seven-year-old but the champion retains her zest and enthusiasm for racing, as she proved with a dazzling barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens yesterday. Jockey Hugh Bowman rated Winx’s effort as her best barrier trial ever.
Winx came out of the barriers about a length behind the field in her 1000m trial. She stayed at the back until the turn where she began improving under Bowman’s tight rein to finish third, about a length from the winner, Alizee.
“I was very impressed with her,’’ Bowman enthused. “I asked her to do a bit more than her first trial and she felt as good as she looked. To be honest, I would suggest that is as good as she has ever trialled.’’
Winx’s trainer, Chris Waller, agreed.
“She looked pretty good to me, as you can tell by the smile on my face,’’ Waller said. “It was also good to hear what I hoped to hear from Hugh Bowman, which is that Winx has come back really well. I could not have been happier with her trial and she is bang on target for two weeks’ time.’’
Winx will resume in the Group 1 Winx (formerly Warwick) Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 18.
TAB Fixed Odds has Winx at prohibitive odds of $1.10 to score her 26th straight win, breaking the national record for consecutive wins she shares with unbeaten Black Caviar.
Bowman said Winx had been “more relaxed” yesterday morning after her exhibition gallop between races at Randwick last Saturday and this may have contributed to her slightly slow start in the trial.