Undefeated filly Winx sprung a major surprise downing the short priced favourite Earthquake in the Group 2 $175,000 Coolmore Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick today.
Winx has a good Spring ahead after winning the Furious Stakes at Randwick. Photo by
Gamour filly Earthquake was sent out the $2.05 punter’s pick at her first outing for the Spring but after sharing the lead with Sultry Feeling, the Exceed And Excel filly was found wanting at the 250m.
Earthquake found little when Kerrin McEvoy went for the whip but Hugh Bowman had plenty of horse underneath him and sailed past on the Chris Waller trained Winx.
Winx was having her toughest test to date after winning twice from her only two starts in June and the Waller stable has a high opinion of the Street Cry filly.
“That was pretty special,” stable racing manager Liam Prior said, standing in for the sick Chris Waller.
“Coming to the top of the straight he was just started to niggle at her but once she hit the furlong she really let down strong. It was a dominate win.”
“The boss thought if she run fourth or fifth today would be a pass, third or fourth should be a pass mark today.”
“On the back of that going to the 1400m in two weeks, she is certainly on song for a very good preparation.”
“To win like the way she did I think the owners are going to have a lot of fun.”
Winx started at the good odds of $6.50 and raced away to score by two and three-quarter lengths over the $26 chance Alpha Miss who pipped Earthquake ($2.05) for second.
Waller will now head to the Group 2 $175,000 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 20 with Winx on her way to a possible start in the Group 1 $400,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 4.
Bowman was having his first ride on Winx and was impressed with the way she handled herself against some classy fillies.
“I’ve had nothing to do with her and I came in here with an open mind,” Bowman said.
“What I liked about her was the way she got out of the barriers and put herself into the race. She certainly has a bright future.”
