Australian Horse of the Year Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), a winner of 22 consecutive races and the last three G1 Cox Plates, enjoyed a fine trial at Rosehill on Monday, finishing sixth (video). Kept under wraps throughout by regular pilot Hugh Bowman, the bay's heat was won by G1 Golden Rose S. hero Trapeze Artist (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), who covered the 900 metres in :54.40. MG1SW and inaugural The Everest victor Redzel (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) reported home seventh, two behind MG1SW and G1 Victoria Derby scorer Ace High (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}).
“She was very calm and that was the most pleasing part,” said trainer Chris Waller to Racenet.com.au. “In the trial Hugh could have ridden her on a piece of cotton. She did everything right. She's enjoying it. She's getting used to the fuss–the media and cameras. To me, reading a horse's body language, it shows she's very happy.”
The 6-year-old will trial again on Feb. 5, before an intended start in the G2 Apollo S. going 1400m at Randwick on Feb. 17. Royal Ascot is still an option, but a decision will not be made until after Winx's third up run in the G1 George Ryder S. over 1500m on Mar. 24.
“I'm not saying she needs a wet track, but I would certainly prefer if we could have a bit more moisture in it than last time,” Bowman said. “We had a really dry winter in Sydney and the result of that was firm tracks. I don't expect the tracks to be arranged to favour Winx. She'll run on whatever track is provided as the weather gods give us, but it would be nice if it does rain leading up to her races. But this morning she was very relaxed. For me, I don't really need to see her go fast. I know she's got the engine.”
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