Winx pleases Bowman and Waller in barrier trial at Randwick

Hugh Bowman and Chris Waller took many positives from the barrier trial third of star mare Winx at Randwick on Monday.

The two-time Cox Plate winner, unbeaten in her last 17 starts, has never won a barrier trial but encouragement was taken from her staying-on third in an important test of fitness prior to her reappearance.

Waller is aiming Winx at the Group 2 Warwick Stakes at Randwick on August 19, with the daughter of Street Cry set to return to the track for a second barrier trial on August 8.

Waller said: “It’s great to see her back in this shape and she looks to have a good preparation ahead.

“She’s the finished article. She’s finally developed into a mature racehorse. She’s as strong as you'll ever see her.

“I really liked the way that she settled and quickened up the last 200 metres. To see her go through the line with plenty of running and plenty of authority was an eye-catching thing.”

Winx’s campaign, which may also include the Chelmsford Stakes, the George Main Stakes and either the Craven Plate or Caulfield Stakes, will lead to a tilt at a third Cox Plate success - a feat last achieved by Kingston Town between 1980-82.

Bowman said: “That’s probably as good as she's ever trialled in all honesty.

“She felt great and she's in a really good frame of mind. Her action is exactly how it was as she left off last preparation.”

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