Winx Wins Again Despite Wet

By Brad Gray

The build up to Winx running in the Chipping Norton Stakes was equal parts excitement and apprehension before taking her place in the field despite the deteriorating Randwick track but in typically Winx fashion, she won comfortably.

“I knew the track was safe which was the most important thing,” said Chris Waller.

“There is a bit of expectation with this horse to run her. I didn’t want to see tomorrow’s newspaper if I didn’t run her.

“I was so close to scratching her but we made the right decision.

“I am so proud of her. She is a beautiful mare.

“She can’t do much more than what she is doing. She is getting the respect she deserves and you can’t ask for much more than that. She is pretty amazing.”

Although Winx looked at home on the wet track, which was downgraded to a Heavy 10 after the running of the race, Hugh Bowman was left with no doubt that she prefers firmer footing.

“Over the final stages when I had the race won and I stopped pushing her she really idled down and that’s not really in her makeup," said Bowman.

“Conditions are fair. It is a wet track but it’s when you start to get bias with wind or the track when I start to get worry

“She is a wonderful mare. Riding her is the easy part to be honest. Along with her fame comes a lot of extra-curricular activity.

“I enjoyed it as much as anybody, I can assure you."

Most punters had Harntell and Endless Drama pencilled in for second and third but it was Oaks winner Lasqueti Spirit and tough stayer Who Shot Thebarman who instead filled the minors, giving some suggestion as to exactly how soggy the conditions were.

“Today she was able to get to the front eventually and once she did she travelled well. In these conditions she’s a good tough filly and she’s well on track,” Jay Ford said of Lasqueti Spirit’s return.