Winx Awesome in Cox Highland Reel finished an honourable third behind Winx in the William Hill Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore won the Group One over a mile and a quarter with Adelaide 12 months ago, but Ballydoyle's representative could not live with the deeply impressive winner. Highland Reel broke well and was always prominent as The Cleaner took the field along, with the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Arod in second for a long way. Arod was far too keen for his own good, though, and was never a factor once Winx swooped into an unassailable lead at the top of the home straight. Criterion finished a staying-on second, not too far in front of Highland Reel, but Chris Waller's successful filly was well in the clear under Hugh Bowman. As the runners bunched for positions approaching the home turn Bowman cruised through on the inner aboard Winx and the pair quickly put daylight between themselves and their opposition. Winx was eased down in the closing stages by Bowman but she still managed to break the course record at Mooney Valley. The jockey said: "To be here, riding on this stage, is one thing, but to win the race, I can't tell you how much it means. "I drew barrier one and I had a lot of confidence in the filly. "She adapted to the awkward position, but sometimes you have to take the cards you are dealt. "It's a very humbling feeling. I'm very privileged and very proud. "It's been a wonderful ride and it's not over yet."
