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date | Sat 24 Aug 2024 |
track | Randwick |
distance | 1400m |
conditions | WFA |
status | Group 1 |
prizemoney | $1,000,000 |
The Winx Stakes, first run in 1923 as the Warwick Stakes, was elevated to Group 1 status in 2018, when it was also renamed after Australia’s greatest mare. Winx won the race three times in her career, from 2016-18, matching Kingston Town’s feats from 1980-82. Many other champions are on the honour roll, from Flight and Bernborough in the 40’s to Tulloch in the 50’s, Super Impose and Filante as back-to-back winners in the 90’s, to latter day greats like Sunline, Lonhro and Verry Elleegant.
This race is now the first Group 1 of the Australian racing season, and similar to the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield two weeks later, the 1400m distance can attract fit off-season sprinters looking to pinch a win at the highest level, as well as classier proven gallopers first-up into a spring campaign. More often than not, it’s the elite horses that take it out.
Zaaki is the starting point, as the most proven warrior in the field with four Group 1 wins and an All Star Mile. He has resumed at 1400m three times in Australia for two wins and a second to Giga Kick, but do his nine-year-old legs still have the sharpness to beat a field like this? He certainly trialled well enough to suggest so.
Fangirl and Hinged, a pair of Chris Waller mares, haven’t won since March and February 2022 respectively.
Since then, Fangirl has run four WFA placings behind Anamoe, including second to him in this race last year, and was also second in the Golden Eagle. She’s a seriously talented mare that often finds herself too far back, but there is no Anamoe is this field now. Of the eight Waller runners, James McDonald is on her, also despite his long association with Zaaki.
While Fangirl prefers it drier, Hinged is the wet-tracker if the course comes up that way. She split Anamoe and Fangirl when resuming at 1400m last prep, and is capable of springing a surprise if ridden forward.
Osipenko was the run of the race in the Caulfield Guineas when third, won the Hobartville and was extremely competitive against older horses in the George Ryder and Doncaster. He might be the best of his age here, but has an awfully wide barrier to contend with.
Selections: 1.Fangirl 2.Osipenko 3.Hinged 4.Zaaki
EACH-WAY
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check Playup Website For Latest Odds
YEAR | HORSE | JOCKEY | TRAINERS |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Fangirl | James McDonald | Chris Waller |
2022 | Anamoe | James McDonald | James Cummings |
2021 | Mo'unga | Tommy Berry | Annabel Neasham |
2020 | Verry Elleegant | James McDonald | Chris Waller |
2019 | Samadoubt | Tim Clark | Bjorn Baker |
2018 | Winx | Hugh Bowman | Chris Waller |
2017 | Winx | Hugh Bowman | Chris Waller |
2016 | Winx | Hugh Bowman | Chris Waller |
2015 | Royal Descent | Hugh Bowman | Chris Waller |
2014 | Tiger Tees | Glyn Schofield | Joe Pride |
2013 | Veyron | Christian Reith | Linda Laing |
2012 | Pinwheel | Kerrin McEvoy | Peter Snowden |
2011 | Pinwheel | Kerrin McEvoy | Peter Snowden |
2010 | Metal Bender | Tim Clark | Chris Waller |