Winx can only be described as among the best mares of any generation, she travels so smoothly, it is just a matter of a slight squeeze from jockey Hugh Bowman and she answers the challenge immediately, with a minimum of fuss.

She is the star of the show where ever she goes, there is no question, the best mare possibly at weight for age without doubt.

Hartnell may have worn the crown except for bumping into Winx, if she was not around he would have claimed championship status.

A big crowd at Royal Randwick were sent into raptures when the superstar moved up on the outside of the second favourite, Hartnell, rounding the home turn and poked her nose in front.

Connections, who admitted to bigger that normal pre race nerves, had nothing to worry about when she pulled well clear of her rivals to win by five and a quarter lengths.

“It was pretty special,” said winning rider Hugh Bowmen, “I’m lost for words.”

“She’s such a special athlete and I’m so proud of her.”

“She’s a supreme athlete as I said, and to be a part of her journey is very special to me,” added Hugh Bowman.

Winx has now won 17 races in succession and her 12^th at Group 1 level.

Winx winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes

New Zealander takes out Oaks

New Zealand filly, Bonneval, gave her rivals a good old fashioned short and sides in winning the James Boag’s Premium Australian Oaks at Royal Randwick.

She was that far back on the home turn, she would’nt have appeared on the radar until the horses were half way up the straight.

She won the New Zealand Oaks in similar fashion, she is now sure to be popular when markets are framed on both the spring Cups.

Bonneval is prepared by the elite training team of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, who would have a strong hand in the spring Cups, as they won also the Derby with Jon Snow last Saturday week

Bonneval looked the logical as she had won the Oaks in New Zealand, plus her three previous wins were at Black Type level.

She was purchased as Lot 432, being by Makfi, he did win the Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket and he has sired 154 runners for 85 winners, which is a handy 50 per cent, his oldest progeny are three year olds.

There is no doubt that the stable will have a strong hand in the major races during the spring, certainly the Caulfield Cup.

Bonneval winning the Oaks at Royal Randwick