Preview: Winx preparation has gone well as mare prepares to begin swansong

The Star Apollo Stakes | G2 | 7f | 3yo+ | Sky Sports Racing

After 29 consecutive victories Australian wondermare Winx will begin the final leg of her illustrious career in The Star Apollo Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

A two-time winner of the Group 2 contest in 2016 and 2017, the seven-year-old was last seen when romping to a record-breaking fourth success in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October.

Trainer Chris Waller, who confirmed in December that the 22-time Group 1 winner will be aimed at Randwick's Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April, said: "Only a couple of days out from her first-up run and I'm pretty comfortable knowing that the preparation has gone really well.

"It's an absolute privilege to be involved with her, it's something that will stay with us for the rest of our days."

The eight-runner contest looks set to be dominated by Waller, who saddles six horses in the race including Group 1 Heineken 3 Metropolitan winner Patrick Erin.

"I'd be happy for the horse that won, but not so happy for Winx," Waller added.

Jockey Hugh Bowman has partnered Winx on 29 of her 39 career starts and confirmed her build-up had been routine.

He said: "She looks excellent in the coat and has a real glow in her eye. She felt great [in her gallop] and we're really looking forward to getting to the races. It has been a good six or eight weeks in preparation for Saturday and I'm really pleased with how she's developed."

Winx en route to Apollo Stakes success in 2017Credit: Mark Evans (Getty Images)

The mare last raced over this distance in the 2017 Warwick Stakes and was made to work all the way on that occasion, triumphing by a mere head – the narrowest winning margin of her career.

Bowman added: "The 1,400m is her most vulnerable distance. It's about riding her to hit the line strongly so she can prepare for her runs ahead, obviously winning is important but I'm just riding her to suit the race and what will be will be."

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