Equine superstar Winx is primed for a return in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) on August 19th after a smart hit-out and win in a 1000m Randwick barrier trial this morning.
Winx performed extremely well in a Royal Randwick barrier trial this morning. Photo: Steve Hart
Jockey Hugh Bowman elected to settle Winx mid-field and on the fence after she jumped well, allowing Stampede, Imposing Lass and Daysee Doom to set the early tempo.
Allowing the daughter of Street Cry to move through her gears, Bowman held position on the fence as the field straightened and was held up by Stampede in the early stages of the straight, but found clear running with 200m to run.
Finding the fore of the field, Winx’s class was simply too much for her talented rivals and she extended to secure incredibly her first ever win in a barrier trial.
Pariah performed extremely well to finish second behind Winx and could resume in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on Warwick Stakes Day, while fellow three-year-old and Group 1 winner Invader also impressed.
Having clearly taken plenty of benefit from her time away from racing, Winx produced arguably her best trial to date when hitting the line well to finish third behind Diamond Tathagata and stable mate Comin’ Through a fortnight ago.
Winx has recorded a career total of twenty-one wins and three minors throughout her twenty-seven competitive starts to date and will be seeking an eighteenth-consecutive win when she takes her place in the Warwick Stakes field on Saturday week.
Winx is currently considered a $1.50 favourite in early 2017 Cox Plate betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au
