TRIAL PRO VES WINX IS ON RIGHT TR ACK
NOT since Oliver Twist has there been so much attention on someone going back for another plate.
But Winx’s effortless return in yesterday’s action- packed barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens was a sure sign the super mare is ready to create history.
Winx is a $ 1.50 favourite to win a record fourth straight Cox Plate in the spring and, according to regular rider Hugh Bowman, she is primed to show her qualities and win her 26th consecutive race when she returns to the track next month as a seven- year- old.
Bowman was in the saddle yesterday as Winx took a leisurely stroll in the 900m jumpout won by She Will Reign, barely asking her to extend herself as she ran home in seventh place, 3 ½ lengths back.
For a man with a poker face, there was no hiding Bowman’s big smile as he talked to trainer Chris Waller afterwards.
“I think she’s very similar ( to this time last preparation),” Bowman said.
“We’ve never seen her perform at her very best in the trials. Today was just a case of going through the motions and trying to release some of that nervous energy from her.
“Her manners suggest she’s very happy to be back. To see her behaving the way she did was very encouraging.”
Winx’s manners weren’t the only talking point yesterday as Chautauqua’s future came into question after the grey flash again refused to leave the gates yet again.
It was the fifth occasion the Team Hawkes- trained sprinter failed to jump from the gates in a barrier trial and his racing career looks all but over.
Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said he would have to “complete a series of trials now” if he’s to get back to the races.