Back on July 23 Winx had her first barrier trial and turned in a pleasing effort but in today's heat the excitement was palpable as the mare turned in a most impressive effort and had Hugh Bowman declaring it was "as good as she's ever trialled"."She felt as good as she looked.
"I haven't seen the replay yet but I'm sure it looked pretty good.
"I would suggest that's as good as she's ever trialled, honestly.
"She ready to go to the races now."
After settling at the rear of the 10 horse field, Bowman asked Winx for something of an effort as they straightened and she could scarcely have been more impressive in the way she went to the line, safely under a tight hold again by the finish.
The trial contained a host of Group One winners and was won by Flight Stakes winner Alizee from Victoria Derby winner Ace High. Others to contest the heat included Hartnell, D'Argento, Single Gaze, Unforgotten and Who Shot Thebarman.
Winx is due to resume in the Group One Winx Stakes on August 18.
Chautauqua on the other hand stuck firm with his refusal to jump and stayed in the gates in his heat.
He was eventually convinced to leave and ultimately followed the field around several hundred metres behind but still given a solid hitout by rider Tommy Berry.
There has been no announcement yet from either Team Hawkes or Racing NSW stewards as to his future.
Chautauqua is a six time Group One winner with earnings of $8.8 million and that could well be the final standings.
Alizee beats Ace High with @winx_horse in third at this mornings Rosehill trial pic.twitter.com/6ZXayYRKiY
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 6, 2018
