It's quite amazing witnessing the effect that Winx has on racing.
Not only is it the adoring crowd cheering and photographing every move the champion makes, but it's hardened journalists and even connections of other runners in the race whose i-phones are trained on the daughter of Street Cry (IRE).
Having won the Group II Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in 2016 and 2017, Winx missed the race last year because her regular rider Hugh Bowman was suspended.
But normal service was resumed when she came back to kickstart her autumn campaign in Saturday's Apollo Stakes. While the expectant crowd held their breath for just over 80 seconds, Bowman had Winx travelling sweetly one out and three back but as normal she needed a wakeup from her jockey before the turn to remind her this was no barrier trail.
When Bowman went for her at the 300 metres she gathered in the leaders so quickly Bowman took another hold.
The seven-year-old mare made it 30 consecutive wins by defeating the gallant Teofilo (IRE) gelding Happy Clapper by two and a quarter lengths with Sebring's 5yo daughter Egg Tart a further two lengths back in third.
The Horse of the Year in Australia in 2015-16, 2016-17 & 2017-18 and an unbackable favourite to make it an unprecedented fourth title this season, Winx advances her record to 34 wins and 3 seconds from 40 starts with earnings of $23,080,675.
Winning trainer Chris Waller said there was always plenty of nerves at the beginning of a preparation.
"I'm very proud, I can't say any more than that without getting emotional, it's great for racing," Waller said choking with emotion.
"You just hope they have a trouble-free run and come back safely.
"She showed how good she is and that's what everyone wants to see, making sure her fans, worldwide now, get to see her at her best.
"Every race is a little different in its own way. The first race is always hard, the grand final is always hard.
"The natural improvement will be there in two weeks time in the Chipping Norton. Last year we didn't have the beauty of having a first-up run, she went straight
A half-sister to Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes winner El Divino, Winx was a $230,000 purchase by Magic Bloodstock out of the Coolmore draft at the 2013 MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Her dam Vegas Showgirl, a dual Listed stakes-winning daughter of Al Akbar, was a $455,000 purchase by Colm Santry Bloodstock on behalf of John Camilleri's Fairway Thoroughbreds at the 2008 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Vegas Showgirl has a 2yo Snitzel filly named Courchevel and a yearling filly by Exceed And Excel named Covent Garden.
On November 30, Vegas Showgirl arrived back from Japan after her date with Deep Impact (JPN).
There will be some cameras clicking when the resultant foals arrives next spring.
