Trainer Chris Waller will be starting to feel the anticipation of a race day featuring Winx but the master horseman is more positive than nervous heading into the 2018 Chipping Norton Stakes.
Winx looks unbeatable first-up in the 2018 Chipping Norton Stakes at Royal Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart.
Six-year-old Street Cry mare Winx is the highest-rated horse on turf and Australia’s leading lady looks all but unbeatable first-up today at Royal Randwick chasing a hat-trick in the Group 1 $600,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m).
A few things didn’t go the champion’s way ahead of her spring campaign kick-off and again there was a setback for her autumn return with Winx bypassing the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) due to the suspension of Hugh Bowman.
Waller however gave her a simulated race over 1400m on Apollo Stakes Day and has no fears the 15-time Group 1 winner won’t handle a mile first-up this afternoon.
Describing Winx as “easier to train” than ever, Waller was glowing this week following a final piece of work by the $15.6 million earner who seems settled and ready to show-up and show-off once again.
“She had a relatively light workout, but it was an important piece of work to make sure she’s nice and settled for Saturday,” he told the media.
“Everything’s gone to plan. We’re very proud of her and what she’s done. She’s done it in all sorts of conditions over a number of years and she’s got a great following.
“She’s a lot easier to train now than when she was four and with age she’s matured. She copes with racing and training better; she’s handling it all better mentally and there are positive signs she’s as good as she’s ever been.”
The latest Chipping Norton Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Winx and Bowman in barrier six as the $1.08 favourites and the next best in betting is Apollo Stakes fourth placegetter Prized Icon at $14.
Punters will not be able to get much better for her next race either as she looks to dually defend her title in Rosehill’s Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on March 24.
From there it will either be the Queen Elizabeth Stakes for $4 million on April 14 or straight to England for June’s Royal Ascot Carnival.
It’s a question only the mare’s condition as she progresses through her Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival preparation will answer.
For now it’s best to take the better than bank interest Winx odds on offer at Ladbrokes.com.au!
