Darren Weir not afraid to take on Winx
CHAMPION Victorian trainer Darren Weir knows it will be tough to beat Winx in this Saturday’s Group 1 George Main Stakes at Randwick, but racing can throw in the odd surprise result.
Weir lines up former Japanese star Tosen Stardom which produced an eye-catching effort for fourth in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes earlier this month and although a win looks unlikely, Weir just wants to see his runner perform at its best.
“You can’t be frightened away by one horse,” Weir said. “Realistically she (Winx) is probably going to win but things happen in horse races.
“But we’re not going up there worried about beating Winx and we are just wanting him to run well.
“If that’s fifth, fourth, winning, whatever, we will be happy and we just want him to run well for the future.”
Tosen Stardom would be Weir’s first Sydney winner and following an encouraging effort last start, Weir has been happy with its progress.
“He was (unlucky last start) but you have to be a realist and it’s going to be hard (to beat Winx,” Weir said.
“He galloped at Ballarat and went really well and he will present there in good shape.
“The bigger track will help and I think he has raced that way of going overseas and he has raced in Sydney before as well.”
As for champion mare Winx, trainer Chris Waller worked the superstar over 1000 metres on the course proper on Wednesday morning and jockey Hugh Bowman was pleased with its effort.
“She didn’t do a lot this morning,” Bowman said. “Basically breezed around and had a morning out and had a look around.
“I’m satisfied with where she’s at.
“She feels great. She feels very comfortable.”
Winx will be going for 11 consecutive wins this Saturday and Bowman believes a trial on Friday will further prepare it for the George Main Stakes at Randwick.
“We’re very excited about her progress since her first-up run and she’s on track for the weekend,” Bowman said.
“She’s certainly tightened up since her first-up run and she’s had trial last Friday.
“I thought that was a very worthwhile exercise because in the past she has been and can be a little fractious in the barriers especially when she’s feeling very well.
“For me, the fact that she’s been through the barrier since her last run is a positive.”
Winx continues to shorten in the Cox Plate markets and it’s now into $2.40 at Sportsbet.