Mighty Winx in final tilt

CHAMPION Winx’s build-up to her swan song will 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. It is to be her first public appearance since winning a fourth consecutive Cox Plate last spring.

The mighty mare has been unbeatable for nearly four years, winning 29 races in succession, but rarely is she pressured in trials. In fact, Winx has won only two barrier trials in 21 attempts.

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.

Owners Peter Tighe and Debbie Kepitis, and members of fellow part-owner Richard Treweeke’s family, got an appreciation of their mare’s worldwide popularity when they received the prestigious Secretariat Vox Populi Award in California on Sunday.

“We are honoured to accept the award on behalf of Winx,” Tighe said on Sky Sports Radio. “There were hundreds of people lined up for us to arrive this morning.’’

Kepitis told US racing broadcaster TVG they were surprised to win the award.

“For a horse from out of America to win an award here, it’s very special and it’s not lost on us,” Kepitis said.