Winx set for trials

CHAMPION Winx’s build-up to her swansong racing preparation begins to gather momentum when she contests a barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens this morning.

Winx has nine opponents in her 900m heat including Alizee, Ace High, Performer and Showtime. This is the first time she has stepped out in public since winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Cox Plate last spring.

The mighty mare has been unbeatable for nearly four years, winning an extraordinary 29 races in succession but rarely is she pressured in trials.

In fact, Winx has won only two barrier trials in 21 attempts during her celebrated race career.

It is likely trainer Chris Waller and jockey Hugh Bowman will stay on script and give Winx an easy workout this morning with a midfield finish expected.

Waller has indicated Winx will have a second barrier trial and possibly an exhibition gallop before she resumes racing in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on February 16.

Winx’s worldwide popularity was confirmed on Sunday when her owners received the prestigious Secretariat Vox Populi Award at famous Santa Anita racetrack in California on Sunday.

Winx is the first Australian racehorse – and the first outside of North America – to win the award, decided by a global online poll for the racehorse “whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the general public”.

Winx is also in line to win the coveted Longines World’s Best Racehorse title, due to be announced in London next week.