Rivals scared off after Winx sizzler
WINX’S stunning Flemington track gallop has the champion mare on target for Turnbull Stakes glory, and scaring off potential rivals.
When nominations closed yesterday for Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 feature race, there were only 11 entries, seven of which are also entered in The Bart Cummings (2500m) 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 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 had actually clocked 23 seconds as she chased stablemate Japonisme on the course proper.
UBET installed Winx a $1.20 favourite to post her 21st consecutive win ahead of Humidor ($5) and Harlem ($18). Waller 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.”
Bowman said the gallop was the best of Winx’s preparation.
“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. That gives me great comfort.”
Waller decided that Winx would give Japonisme a 200m start in the workout.
Bowman said: “I sort of let him go so that she wasn’t chasing him.
“Yeah, she felt pretty good. Actually, I would say it was probably her best gallop this preparation.
“Having her first run at the track this Saturday, very excited about that and very pleased how she’s settled in.
“Her last 200, she felt amazing. I’ll go back and put her through her paces on Thursday morning.
“She’ll just do the standard.”
Apart from the Turnbull Stakes, Winx will have only one other start in Melbourne this spring as she bids to land a third consecutive Cox Plate on October 28.
The Victoria Racing Club expects a large crowd on Saturday to pay homage to Australia’s best horse.