Waller used to expectations as Winx returns in race named after her

The expectation surrounding Winx’s return at Royal Randwick on Saturday is only heightened by the fact she can surpass Black Caviar’s winning streak of 25 should she win the race that has been named in her honour.

But trainer Chris Waller will be taking nothing for granted. He needs only to think back 12 months to this race last year to remember how close his superstar came to defeat when she blew the start by a half a dozen lengths before storming home ahead of Foxplay.

Thanks to its eponymous last-start winner, the race formerly known as the Warwick Stakes has been rebranded as the group 1 Winx Stakes, and Waller's superstar mare will be looking to join Limerick and Kingston Town as a three-time winner.

“It is no different to last year, which is good in a way because you are used to it. I wasn’t used to the pressure before last year,” Waller said. The first year [of Winx’s winning streak] was no different to any other horse. The second year was about maintaining it.

“The third year, the last 12 months, it has been the same as the 12 months before but there is more expectation there.”
Winx has had her usual preparation, with two barrier trials, but will be a little bit sharper as the race is now a group 1. Waller, however, is unfazed by there being another bit of history on the line this Saturday.

“There will always be something which she hasn’t quite achieved. You have to be realistic, the previous 25 wins have been pretty bloody good and if there is another one around the corner, we will take it,” Waller said.

“It is special to have a race named in her honour. In the modern day, it is a bit different, they fast-tracked it. There are so many special things about Winx and this is just another one of them.

“I take a lot of pride in this race because it has been a good race for us, from your Metal Benders to Royal Descent and Winx. We always have a good representation in the race and it a good starting point for us.”

Waller will have his usual cast of stayers beginning their preparations along with maybe group 1 winners Unforgotten and D’argento, both starting their four-year-old seasons. But, regardless of how well they go, Winx will be the centre of attention. Being unbeaten for 1191 days earns you that right.

Rose guns back at trials as Sandbar impresses

Rosebud winner Sandbar looks the only likely Golden Rose contender from Saturday’s bunched finish to a Listed affair, but a few of his challengers will be at Randwick barrier trials on Monday.

Sandbar will improve after doing enough to win over 1100m and he looks likely to get better as he steps up in trip. But will he be able to match unbeaten JJ Atkins winner The Autumn Sun and the next level three-year-olds in coming weeks?

Chris Waller has Charge, the runner-up on Saturday, but he thought The Autumn Sun, Lean Mean Machine and Zousain, which will all trial on Monday, are a rung above him.

“[Charge[ will stick to sprints. I think we have a good group of three-year-olds and few of them will trial on Monday and then we will decide what paths they will take,” Waller said.

Next Everest slot for Pierata as Nature Strip closers

Pierata is expected to the next horse to seal a slot in The Everest this week but boom Victorian Nature Strip is getting closer to a berth in the $13 million sprint at Randwick on October 13.

Nature Srip's trainer Darren Weir told Melbourne radio that the owners were in negotiations with a slot-holder on Sunday.

"In the past few days, there has been an inquiry about Nature Strip," Weir said. "I've left it to the owners. There will be a decision. The people who have enquired and the owners are going to work something out over the next couple of weeks.

"Hopefully they can work out something and the horse can get a spot in the race, because the horse is in unbelievable order."

The ATC is likely to hold out to be the last slot filled, with the club very keen to have a runner in Godolphin blue in the race.

Angland supports the farmers

Tye Angland turned his good fortune at picking up the winning ride on Irithea into a great gesture by donate his winning fee to the NSW farmers.

“I grew up in the country,” Angland said, “My dad’s a farmer and he has got cattle so I know how tough it is for them. I’m just giving back a little something. I think Australia is doing a great thing at the moment helping them out because they need it.

“We complain about firm tracks but our horses have got feed, and they are hand feeding cattle with nothing, losing money. That’s something to think about.”

Article courtesy of Fairfax Digital and The Brisbane Times