Winx presents a Bonnie opportunity

The prospect of watching Winx race at close quarters has influenced Inverell trainer Allan Foran to bring a runner to Randwick for the first time.

Although Bonnie Sare is the priority for Foran this week, super mare Winx will inevitably catch the eye in the Group Two Warwick Stakes (1400m).

Bonnie Sare will be aiming for her third consecutive win while Winx is going for No.18 in a row.

“It’s a big day especially with Winx going round. I’ve never seen her in the flesh so that’s one of the reasons I decided to go,” Foran, who last had a Sydney runner in 2005, said.

Lakeside Drive made the journey to Warwick Farm while Aunty Betty, who went on to be placed twice in black-type races for Albert Stapleford in 2007, raced at Gosford for Foran the year before.

Foran will make it as far as Gosford on Thursday and house Bonnie Sare at Stapleford’s base before completing a trip from near the Queensland border to Sydney on race day.

The five-year-old mare lines up in the Highway Handicap (1600m), in which she is among 21 nominations.

“I thought now would be the time to come down now she’s going well,” Foran said.

Bonnie Sare has won over 1400 and 1600 metres at Tamworth in recent weeks.

He hopes to draw barrier four or five but expects Bonnie Sare, who has three wins from 19 starts, to drop back regardless.

“She’ll go back and come from behind. Her last two wins she’s come from near last,” Foran said.

“I’ve never had another horse worth running in a Highway. I’ve only got three in work.”