Classy three-year-old Winx has returned to the winner’s circle in impressive fashion this afternoon, displaying a keen turn of foot in the final straight to take out the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Winx produced an impressive sprint to win the Phar Lap Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Jumping from the gates well, jockey Tommy Berry elected to settle the Street Cry filly off the pace of early leaders High Above, Supara and Testashadow, who set a quick tempo away from the barriers.
Rounding onto the final straight wide and with plenty to do, Winx steadily spooled up before exploding home down to outside; hitting the line several lengths in the clear of closest rival Hauraki; Supara running on for third.
Liam Prior, Racing Manager for Chris Waller was trackside for Winx’s impressive Phar Lap Stakes triumph and revealed the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) figures as her major target this time in.
“She just showed she’s probably a class above those sorts of horses,” Prior said.
“Winx came here today and was nothing but dominant.
“We anticipated being a touch more positive but to Tommy’s credit he was patient, he bided his time and just got her switched off, balanced her up at the top of the straight and was able to use her very good turn of foot to put them away.
“Very good win and a great reward for the owners; they’ve been very patient with her and I think they’re going to have a lot more fun throughout the rest of the carnival.
“She was on an Oaks path, but it we can get her to the Vinery I think 2000m will suit her down to the ground.”
Berry secured a daily treble in partnering Winx to success in the 2015 Phar Lap Stakes, and revealed that while further back than expected early, he was always confident in hitting the line first.
“Mr Waller knows how to set them for races and took the touch easier option in skipping the Coolmore and coming here,” Berry said after dismounting.
“That would have given her a lot of confidence and she deserved that win today.
“I expected to be a little bit closer and once I got on Brenton Avdulla’s (Testashadow) back he kept coming back and there was a bit of trouble in front of me.
“I just didn’t panic and I knew I was on the best horse in the race and rode her accordingly.”
Ladbrokes.com.au paid out on generous $2.50 odds for success on Winx in the 2015 Phar Lap Stakes this afternoon.
