Happy 21st Winx you beauty!

Darryl Sherer - Saturday October 7

The crowd came in throngs and Winx did not disappoint with an easy win in Saturday's Group I Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington to extend her unbeaten run to 21.

Hugh Bowman looking for non existent dangers. Photo: Darryl Sherer

As expected Hugh Bowman settled Winx towards the rear in the small field as the $201 chance Magicool set a steady speed.

Sir Isaac Newton struck the front before the home turn however, it was only delaying the inevitable as Bowman had cruised through to be poised to challenge on Winx around the home turn.

Winx ($1.20 fav) went clear and then opened up a gap, Bowman easing down inside the final 100m to allow Ventura Storm ($26 - $17) to close within 6 1/2-lengths with Humidor ($7.50) a further three-quarters of a length off in third.

A crowd of 20,282 turned out to see Winx race for the first time at Flemington. The six-year-old is used to the course, being trained there in the spring, and Hugh Bowman said the win was as easy as it appeared.

"She certainly enjoyed it here and once we got a clear run it was pretty much smooth sailing from there," Bowman said.

"She's so uncomplicated and a dream to ride her in a race - she does make it easy for me."

Winx is now on course for her third Cox Plate victory and her 22nd consecutive win and Bowman said he is enjoying the ride.

"Every time she goes on the track now she's rewriting the history books and it's just an honour to be a part of it," Bowman said.

"The mare is taking everyone's lives to a new level now."

Humidor was expected by some to test Winx but never looked threatening.

Trainer Darren Weir admitted he was disappointed.

"Disappointing for sure, I thought he'd run better than that but she is an absolute champion," Weir said.

"I don't know, maybe it's time to play around with his gear."

Advertisment
More Reading...
2024 Melbourne Cup Result - It's Knights Choice
The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won with Knight’s Choice, a five-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice victorious.
Tycoon Star Makes Winning Debut in G3 Maribyrnong Plate
Tycoon Star looked like the consummate professional when making a winning career debut in the Group III Darley Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) to kickstart Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington.
Storm Boy Headed to Ireland
Coolmore have today announced via Twitter that top class Justify (USA) colt Storm Boy will be continuing his racing career in Ireland in 2025 under the care of Aidan O’Brien.
Rosemont and Partners Stakes Quinella on Cup Day
Written Tycoon posted his second new stakes-winner on Melbourne Cup Day when promising three year-old gelding Catoggio took out the Listed VRC Amanda Elliot Stakes (1400m)  for Rosemont Stud and partners, who also race the second horse Bosustow.
El Vencedor wins G3 Balmerino Stakes
El Vencedor is making a habit of picking up major victories at Ellerslie, adding the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) to his burgeoning record at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting.
All Too Hard's Arran Bay Brave in the Furphy Plate
Phillip Stokes admitted his preference was to run Arran Bay in the Listed John Letts Cup at Morphettville but was overruled by the owners, who made the correct decision in favouring the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
Randwick around the track with Clinton Payne on Saturday
Saturday saw the return of Australian racing’s pin-up girl Winx and after giving racegoers a genuine heart flutter, she duly delivered with one of her best ever wins at Randwick.
Knights Choice a True Underdog Story
Punters were left stunned when the Queenslander Knight's Choice and Japanese visitor Warp Speed (JPN) emerged from the pack to fight out a dramatic finish to the $8,560,000 Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
Cup Day Stakes-Winner for So You Think
The Listed VRC TAB Trophy (1800m) for three year-olds on Cup Day at Flemington drew a competitive field of up and comers with So You Think gelding Opening Address stamping himself as a bright prospect for the future with a stylish victory.
Kiwi Bred Gringotts Wins $3million Big Dance
Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts(NZ) (Per Incanto) delivered a big payday for his connections with victory in Tuesday’s A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick.