Winx is a firming favourite for Australian Horse of the Year honours after adding another feature to her outstanding record in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

Hugh Bowman rode her like the best horse in the field on Saturday and she cruised home to make it 11 wins in 17 starts for earnings over $4 million.  “We just dream of horses like her,” trainer Chris Waller said.  “It’s great for Australian racing and an absolute pleasure to care for such a champion mare.

The Street Cry four year-old will probably run next in either the George Ryder Stakes or Emancipation Stakes before stepping up to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).  “She only had three runs before winning last year’s Cox Plate,” Waller added.  “Anything’s possible with a horse like her.”

Winx races for Peter Tighe’s Magic Bloodstock and is from NZ stakes winner Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar).  The mare was purchased by Fairway Thoroughbreds for $455,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and Fairway owner John Camilleri sold her for $230,000 at 2013 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Bowman was lavish in his praise for Winx.  “She’s a dream to ride.  I didn’t ask her to go – she got herself into gear.”

Darley champion Street Cry died in September 2014 and Winx can help him to a first Australian sires’ premiership this season.  Not A Single Doubt leads the ladder ($7.25 million) from Street Cry ($7.01 million) with a gap to Lonhro ($5.59 million) in third place.