Winx on target to defend Cox Plate crown
TRIAL form can be taken with a grain of salt for many thoroughbreds, but the trial of Winx at Randwick on Friday was a good sign of things to come this spring.
The 2015 Cox Plate champion kicked off its spring preparation with a soft trial at Randwick where it finished fourth under soft riding from regular rider Hugh Bowman who hinted it could be back better than last season.
“Just feels great, right back where she was and who knows maybe even better,” Bowman said. “She wasn’t out to do anything serious but when horses around you are being ridden out and you’re jogging, it’s a good sign.”
Bowman placed Winx along the inside of runners and it hit the line nicely without being prompted by Bowman. It’s main goal this season is to defend its Cox Plate crown ($2.25 at Sportsbet), but the Group 2 Warwick Stakes will be first on the agenda on August 20 according to trainer Chris Waller.
“It’s good that she is that little bit heavier this time in because this will be her longest campaign yet,” Waller said. “She could be fifth-up when she arrives at the Cox Plate – last year she was only third-up because we wanted to keep her schedule light after campaigning up in Queensland during the winter.”
Younger brother El Divino was also on show. The undefeated two-year-old pushed Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner Capitalist right to the line, going down by a narrow margin, but recording a time of 49.9 seconds which was quicker than Smart Volatility which won Winx’s heat.
El Divino is paying $12 to win the Group 1 Golden Rose on September 10 with Capitalist holding an edge on the market at $4.80.
Impressive filly Yankee Rose has been well backed on the second line at $6.50 with Crownbet.com.au.