Trial no barrier for the return of Winx

THIS year is looking brighter than ever for Australia’s champion racehorse Winx as Chris Waller revealed he “couldn’t have her any better” ahead of the mighty mare’s first public appearance for 2018 today.

Winx will barrier-trial against Australia’s best sprinter Redzel at Rosehill this morning with her much-anticipated return to racing planned for next month.

Trainer Waller said Winx was niggle free and feeling on top of the world in her bid to extend her winning streak to 23 in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 17.

“She is as sound as she has ever been and her attitude is fantastic,” he said. “Her work has been good, which makes me pretty excited about the prep ahead.

“She has come back very well and she is no different to any prep in the last 12 months. She was a bigger, stronger horse 12 months ago and she is exactly the same now.”

Winx might be a star on race day but she has won only one barrier trial from 16 attempts during her career. And don’t expect her to improve on that record today.

“She will trial okay without being put under any pressure,” Waller said.

“We are still 26 days out from her first-up run and I couldn’t have her any better.

“We will take it one run at a time and each race is important as are the people who follow her wherever they are, whether they are in Australia or on the other side of the world.”

Waller has hinted Winx is likely to head overseas this year if she is 100 per cent, with a date with the Queen at Royal Ascot in England the most likely option.

But Waller said all plans would be confirmed after the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill on March 24.

“I’ve said all along we will make the decision after the George Ryder whether she goes to the Queen Elizabeth (Stakes at Randwick) or whether we look at going to (Royal) Ascot or whether there are other things,” he said.

Asked whether there was enough time for Winx to run in the Queen Elizabeth on April 14 and then travel to England for Royal Ascot in June, Waller said “I’m not sure”.

Waller said Winx was almost certain to run in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) first-up at Randwick before most likely contesting the Chipping Norton Stakes (Randwick, March 3) and George Ryder.

Winx’s weight is about the same as it was at the same stage in the spring.

“We purposely don’t let her get too heavy because a horse like her is expected to be running well in trials and first-up,” he said.

Asked whether the discussion had been had on whether 2018 would be Winx’s final year racing, Waller said it had not.

Winx’s 900m trial is heat one today at 8.15am.