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.
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.
Oh my goodness
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 7, 2017
There's nothing left to say - what a CHAMPION!#Winx blows them away @flemingtonvrc#7racingpic.twitter.com/9HngmGTcI7
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."
