The much-anticipated return of Earthquake has been dampened in more ways than one with the star filly struggling on a wet Randwick track in the Furious Stakes won by Winx.
The Blue Diamond Stakes winner was sent out the $2.05 favourite in Saturday’s Group Two race with Kerrin McEvoy adopting a positive attitude, taking her to the front.
But the final 200m told as Winx ($6.50) swept past the Godolphin filly to stamp her authority on the race.
She recorded a 2-3/4 length victory over Alpha Miss ($26) who passed Earthquake inside the final few metres.
Waller’s racing manager Liam Prior, speaking for his boss who had lost his voice, said Winx had surprised the stable.
“Third or fourth would have been a pass mark,” Prior said.
“That was unexpected today because it was such a dominant win.
“We thought she would be better over the 1400 metres in two weeks.”
Her jockey Hugh Bowman was rapt with Winx’s performance which takes her record to three wins from three starts.
“She gave me confidence,” he said.
“She just travelled beautifully throughout and put them away easily.”
Henry Plumptre, who manages Sheikh Mohammed’s Australian interests, said the track had been against Earthquake.
“Hopefully when we get her back on a good track she can show how good she is.”
The winner is by Darley stallion Street Cry who is suffering from a foot issue which has delayed the start to his breeding season.
“It’s too early to say that his season is over,” Plumptre said.
“But we have made plans for the Darley mares and Appearance will go to Lonhro.”
The mare was one of two multiple Group One winners trained by the late Guy Walter that were booked to Street Cry.
Plumptre said he had not spoken to the owners of Streama to find out what arrangements they wanted to make.
