Winx in the pink for return today
SYDNEY: Far from being concerned about Winx missing her scheduled return, her trainer, jockey and punters believe she is going to the Chipping Norton Stakes better than ever.
If she wins, she will stand alone as Australia’s leading group 1 winner with 16, one more than the unbeaten Black Caviar.
Chris Waller and her owners opted not to start her in the group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) last Saturday week without Hugh Bowman, who was suspended.
If her trainer had thought it necessary he would have run her with a replacement jockey, but her condition told him otherwise.
‘‘Hugh Bowman is an important part of the Winx story,’’ Waller said.
‘‘But it’s not just about him riding her. The fact is, she didn’t need to run two weeks ago.
‘‘It wasn’t a target race for her.’’ Waller has not changed any thing in the leadup to today, when she will run over 1600m.
She has had her normal two barrier trials and a third under simulated race conditions to ensure her fitness levels are where they should be.
Bowman can see she is more relaxed than she was in the spring, when she twice missed the start and looked as if her winning streak would end.
While Waller has to make sure she is fit and ready, Bowman is the one who has to keep her safe on the track, a responsibility he does not take lightly.
And based on her recent trials and trackwork, he is not expecting any more of those barrier problems.
Bowman rode her in a light gallop on Thursday morning and reiterated she was more relaxed and perhaps a little stronger than in the spring.
‘‘Compared to last preparation, she’s more settled,’’ he said. ‘‘She’s a bit happier in her own skin. This time last preparation it took her a while to relax.
‘‘She was very strong this morning. Mentally and physically, she feels very comfortable with me.
‘‘My job is to put Winx in a position where she can do her job. She needs someone to steer her, and that’s what I do.’’
Although the relationship is a strong one, it is not so much an affectionate one.
‘‘I might give her a pat,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘But she doesn’t really appreciate affection. She’s there to work and wants to work.’’ — AAP