Chris Waller is ready to enjoy watching his champion Winx, hopefully for years to come, as she steps out for the first time this campaign at Rosehill's barrier trials on Tuesday.
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Waller is more relaxed heading into this campaign after Winx took her unbeaten run to 13 with a devastating win in the Cox Plate last October.
"There was the pressure of proving herself last year," Waller explained. "She has now won that second Cox Plate, she won with a big weight in a handicap in the Doncaster and done it for an extended period.
"Horses can hit a purple patch of form for six or 12 months and drop off but she has proven herself beyond that and is very special. I think we can enjoy her now. Our aim is to plan her runs so there will be longevity and everyone can enjoy her for a few more years yet."
Unlike her last preparation, Winx does not have the added pressure of returning from injury and Waller has been delighted with way she has fitted back into the stable life.
She has never won a barrier trial and she will not be pushed too hard on Tuesday when Hugh Bowman hops on in the first heat of the morning, which features five stablemates, including group 1 winner Music Magnate, and promising Godolphin mare Ghisoni.
"Her body language is good but it is her first pre-season game in a sense, so we want her to just go around without being put under too much pressure," Waller said. "There is not the doubt of injury this time, so we can feel a little more confident."
Winx is scheduled to have two barrier trials before resuming in the Apollo Stakes, as she did last year, on February 11.
Waller has already started to roll out his big guns for the autumn, with Golden Rose runner-up Omei Sword having a low-key trial last week. He will continue to produce the mainstays of his autumn team, with Qatar Bloodstock's imports Endless Drama and Arod in Winx's heat, while Carbine Club winner Comin' Through and smart fillies Foxplay and Awoke are in trials later in the morning.
"We have a good group of horses and we are hoping for a few of them to come through and take the next step," Waller said. "It is not just about one horse, although she gets a lot of attention."
Meanwhile, Waller is likely to press on towards the Golden Slipper with Magic Millions Classic failure From Within. The Not A Single Doubt filly started equal favourite and finished 13th behind Houtzen at the Gold Coast on Saturday but never got a chance to get into the race.
"She is better than that," Waller said. "She will have a quiet time for the next couple of weeks and we will look to bring her back for the Reisling Stakes [in March]."
