Second trial for Winx after public gallop
WONDER mare Winx will take another step towards her return to racing in a trial at Rosehill today.
The Chris Wallertrained star will clash with Otagobred stablemate Who Shot Thebarman and other top horses over 1000m today.
Waller surprised racegoers at Randwick on Saturday by presenting his champion mare for an exhibition gallop between races.
The trip from his Rosehill stable to Randwick, along with the gallop, would improve Winx’s fitness rather than her having to have a searching workout at home.
‘‘I thought bringing Winx here would help stimulate her without having to go too hard [in a gallop],’’ Waller told media after the gallop on Saturday.
‘‘Whereas [Friday] morning at Rosehill she would have had to go quite quick to get the same energy and benefit from the workout.
‘‘So the trip on the truck, the walk around the new stalls, and giving her a look on race day, she’s used up some [nervous] energy, had a bit of a sweat and has got all that out of the way.’’
Winx was keen to stride out but jockey Hugh Bowman kept her restrained during the 900m gallop.
She completed her last 800m in 48.16sec, her last 600m in 34.58sec.
Bowman jumped off the mare and told Racing NSW the mare felt amazing.
‘‘She felt good, pretty strong today,’’ he said.
‘‘It was her first time in public this preparation so she was up for the occasion.
‘‘It was quite windy, too, which ignited her. I was hoping to let her stride a bit more than I did but the ground is extremely firm here today so I kept hold of her.
‘‘It was a good exercise and I’m looking forward second trial now.’’
Winx is expected to have her first race of the new season in the race named after her, the group 1 Winx Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on August 18.
Winx has won the race, formerly named the Warwick Stakes, the past two years.
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