Rider says Winx faces biggest challenge

THE bookies have Winx at unbackable odds but her rider, Hugh Bowman, believes the mighty mare faces one of the toughest tests of her career in the Group 1 $ 4 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes ( 2000m) at Royal Randwick tomorrow.

“On form alone it’s probably the hardest task she has had for quite some time and when I say that I mean a couple of years – probably her first Cox Plate ( 2015),’’ Bowman said. “It’s going to be one hell of a race.’’

Bowman was speaking at Rosehill trackwork where he rode Winx in a strong piece of work wide out on the course proper.

“She’s in great order and I’m really happy with how she has come through the George Ryder win. Her work here on Tuesday morning was absolutely outstanding,” he said.

“I enjoy the morning trackwork the most because it’s a time when it’s just me and her. I can feel all the power. I get to let her extend and there is no pressure.”

But Bowman knows he is a man under pressure tomorrow as Winx attempts her 25th consecutive win to equal Black Caviar’s record.

Winx is at $ 1.15 fixed odds favourite for Sydney’s richest race of the autumn carnival with Humidor next at $ 12, Gailo Chop at $ 15 then Happy Clapper at $ 16.

“Usually there is one main horse to be focused on as opposition but this week there is three or four or maybe even five that are primed for their target,’’ Bowman said.

“They are over a suitable distance and racing in the form of their lives.

“If Gailo Chop is allowed to control things to his liking he will take some running down.

“If the pressure is right on he might be feeling the pinch from the 200- 300m mark but if that’s the case a horse like Humidor or Ambitious, who I thought was very impressive in the Tancred Stakes, will be capitalising on the genuine pace.’’