Plans for Winx flexible

Hugh Bowman and Winx. Photo: Getty Images
Hugh Bowman and Winx. Photo: Getty Images
Sydney trainer Chris Waller has hinted that the racing plans for his wonder mare, Winx, could be changed to suit rider Hugh Bowman.

The three-time Cox Plate winner finished fifth in a Rosehill trial behind The Everest winner Redzel yesterday morning.

The trial was expected to be her last hitout before racing in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick on February 17.

Bowman will not be able to ride  Winx  in that race after his bid to appeal one of two recent riding suspensions failed yesterday. Waller threw a curve ball at an awaiting media scrum after yesterday’s trial, suggesting Winx’s plans could be changed so Bowman could stick with her.

"We would consider, if Hugh’s unsuccessful, where she heads, which race she runs in."

"It all depends on where she’s at in her preparation. We certainly won’t miss races if it’ll affect the end result.

"It’s still two weeks away from her planned first-up run in the Apollo, but if we need to make changes we’ll do that when required to do so," Winx pleased both Bowman and Waller in yesterday’s trial.

"This morning we asked her to do more than in her first trial and I have just spoken to Hugh Bowman and he was very happy with the way she went through her paces — he said he could not have been happier with her," Waller said.

"She looks just the same as she did this time last year or more importantly this time last preparation  before her successful Cox Plate preparation."

Waller is yet to comment on a possible replacement for Bowman if Winx heads to the Apollo Stakes.

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