Winx on target

Both Hugh Bowman and trainer Chris Waller have left Randwick upbeat with Winx’s third in a barrier trial yesterday in Sydney without getting too carried away. After tagging along at the back of the field, Winx responded when Bowman asked her to shift up a gear and strode strongly to the line. The mare has won her past 17 starts including two Cox Plates but in keeping with tradition, she has never won a barrier trial.‘‘It’s probably as good as she’s ever trialled in all honesty,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘She felt great. She’s in a really good frame of mind. Her action is exactly how it was as she left off last preparation.’’