Winx searching to become complete package
CHAMPION mare Winx is shooting for 11 consecutive wins this Saturday when it lines up in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick and connections believe it’s almost the complete package.
The $1.17 favourite at Sportsbet looks a moral this Saturday and regular rider Hugh Bowman believes the star mare is still on the improve after another easy victory in the Warwick Stakes.
“She was a stronger animal in the autumn and she is stronger now,” Bowman said. “She is mature more now. In fact, she was quite immature when she won the Cox Plate.
“In my humble opinion, I think she is a better horse now and I think she’s moving better this preparation than she was last preparation.
“She has strengthened up. Her attitude has developed as well. She is a very focused individual, which I like, and she feels like the finished product.”
Bowman feels the pressure of being aboard a champion thoroughbred, but is eased by the way Winx travels to the barriers come race day.
“I was nervous going into the race (Warwick Stakes) and there is an element of excitement and anticipation to say the least,” Bowman said.
“She gives the ability to relax when you go out on her the way she feels.
“Once I had the mare comfortable (in the race) it was really all over from the 1000-metre mark. What was impressive was she was able to sit up on the pace and be so relaxed and calm.
“I don’t think that is something she would have been able to have done in previous preparations. To me it just shows that next step of maturity.”
Waller is hoping his prized runner gets an uninterrupted run so he can enjoy yet another win.
“For the first half of the race she is like any other horse and I am just waiting for that final 200 metres, like everyone else, to see her under pressure and that acceleration.
“I’m just desperate to see that last 200 metres and see her forge clear and to have an uninterrupted path in the race.
“And hoping there aren’t too many challengers, and most time there aren’t too many.”