Chris Waller’s champion mare is now unbeaten in her last 28 appearances and in the process has racked up a stunning 21 Group 1 victories. An insane, but insanely magical record.
Just for a moment…
She was breath-taking again on Saturday. But it wasn’t without its anxious moments, and after racing at the back of the field on the fence, she was searching for clear air 300 metres from home.
When it came, her regular accomplice Hugh Bowman asked the question and she came off the back of Youngstar (High Chaparral {IRE}) to sweep past her stablemate for game, set and match.
“I didn’t really want to be there (on the rail), but I didn’t have much choice,” the ever eloquent Bowman said.
“The champion qualities came out in the end.” - Hugh Bowman.
“I was thinking that at the 1000 it was in the hands of the Gods. I had to bide my time and fortunately the horse got me out. The champion qualities came out in the end.
“When I peeled out and went after them the final 100 metres was extraordinary. That will do her good, she dug deep and it will bring her on nicely for a fourth Cox Plate.”
Her dominance secured the win
As always, Bowman was humbled by the part he has played in a remarkable and compelling Australian racing story.
“Great horses attract so much attention and it’s so wonderful for our industry to have a horse like this,” he said.
“Parents have brought their kids out here and they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives, I certainly will.” – Hugh Bowman.
“Parents have brought their kids out here and they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives, I certainly will. I’m privileged and humbled to ride a horse like this. She’s a once in a lifetime horse.”
Waller has unshakeable faith in the Winx and Waller combination, and there’s never been a reason why he shouldn’t, and he was happy to celebrate yet another top-flight victory and savour the atmosphere.
“It was a picture perfect Bowman ride, when the gaps came,” he said. “She does us proud each and every time and it’s great to see the turn-out. It’s pretty special.
“There will be a day when she’s not as dominant and all she had to do today was repeat her form and she did.” – Chris Waller.
“There will be a day when she’s not as dominant and all she had to do today was repeat her form and she did.
“The team have done an unbelievable job and that’s the whole story about her. She’s a horse that performs under pressure and always goes through a flat spot in her races, that’s just her.”
Barn mate Youngstar turned in a terrific effort to finish runner-up and confirm she was on target for the G1 Caulfield Cup. Rider Kerrin McEvoy was understandably thrilled with her effort.
“It was a dashing ride by Bowman and it was a superb run from my mare,” he said.
Kings Will Dream (IRE) (Casamento {IRE}) lost no admirers with his performance for third ahead Ventura Storm (IRE) (Zoffany [IRE}), who showed significant improvement on recent efforts to bank the cheque for fourth.
