Winx Stakes Hopefuls Strut Their Stuff at Rosehill

WORDS: Ocean Road Magazine Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Pexels - coldbeer

Excitement is mounting amongst Australian horse racing fans and sports bettors, with the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Royal Randwick now just one month away.

Named after legendary mare Winx, who won the race three times during her illustrious career (2016, 2017 & 2018), the 1,400 metres contest generates massive interest in the betting industry.

Last year’s winner Fangirl is the favourite on most betting sites to become the first horse since Winx to go back-to-back in the prestigious race.

The five-year-old subsequently added more Group-race victories to her CV, winning the inaugural King Charles III Stakes on Everest Day and the Petaluma Apollo Stakes.

She then finished second behind Think It Over in the TAB Verry Elleegant Stakes in March, before being ruled out of action after sustaining a wound to her leg.

Trainer Chris Waller initially played down the severity of the injury, but painted a different picture following the mare’s recent run in a barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens.

“When it first happened, I think her life was in danger,” Waller said. “It could have gone either way. It’s a remarkable story how she’s recovered.

“She had a nasty injury and it’s the great care and attention from our staff and vets that have got her back in work. You can barely see a blemish. You have no idea how well they have done to get her back.”

Waller Keen to Split His Stable Stars

Bettors hoping to glean Winx Stakes tips from the 900m trial were left none the wiser, with Fangirl given an easy time in a field featuring five individual Group 1 winners.

They included the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Tropical Squall, who led throughout to record a one-and-a-half-lengths victory over Amor Victorious.

Waller indicated before the trial that he is targeting different races for top performers such as Fangirl, Via Sistina, Riff Rocket, Joliestar, Hinged, Atishu and Buckaroo.

“They are still a month away from racing so respect that and don’t expect them to come out and win their trials because they are 28 days off race fitness,” Waller said.

“I couldn’t be happier with all of them, but I don’t want them all running in the Winx Stakes. It will be the Winx Stakes, the Memsie, the Makybe Diva.

“There is a big gap between the Winx and the King Charles so we will have a look at our options. But they will be ready to go on Winx Stakes Day – they won’t all run together.”

Tropical Squall Read to Roll in the Winx Stakes

While Waller is uncertain which races to target with several of his stable stars, Bott has no such concerns about Tropical Squall.

While many of her trial rivals were not fully tuned up, the dual Group 1-winning filly posted an impressive time after leading from the outset.

She clocked 34.45 across the final 600m for a final time of 55.03 which was almost two seconds quicker than the other 900m Group trial at Rosehill.

Tropical Squall is one of the outsiders in the betting for the Winx Stakes given she will be competing against some battle-hardened performers.

However, her win in the Group 1 Surround Stakes on first run over the same track and distance as the Winx Stakes last season shows she goes well when fresh.

“We’re looking to kick her off in the Winx Stakes,” Bott said. “Races like the King Charles, Epsom and Golden Eagle are on her radar.”

Joliestar Heading to The Everest

Joliestar was the winner of the other 900m Group trial, but will be given an easy preparation by Waller ahead of a possible tilt at The Everest in October.

Waller followed a similar route with Zougotcha last year, but believes Joliestar is better equipped to make her name as a top-class sprinter.

“We made the mistake with Zougotcha last year of trying to make her sprint, but I think Joliestar is probably a little bit sharper,” he said.

“We might give her a chance to sprint and decide after that first-up run which way we’re heading.”