Hugh Bowman gave Winx the tick of approval after riding the champion mare in her return to the track on Monday.
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The Dunedoo product, coming off a 2017 campaign which finished with him being named the world’s best jockey, was in the saddle as Chris Waller’s mare contested a talent-packed trial over 900m at Rosehill.
Winx came on sixth, finishing behind the Everest winner Redzel and Golden Trapeze, but Waller and Bowman couldn’t have been more satisfied.
“I didn’t ask her to do a great deal, it was pretty much a morning out for her,’’ Bowman said.
“I couldn’t expect her to be better than what we’ve seen and for me it’s about having her happy and if she’s happy the rest will fall into place.
“I feel as though she’s more comfortable at this stage of her preparation than she was last time. Whatever the reason I don’t know but for me it’s very pleasing to see her so relaxed and happy to be back.
“It’s special to have her back. I know the engine is there under her and I’m looking forward to the next couple of months.’’
Winx is expected to have one more trial before returning to racing at the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 17.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
