The Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) signifies the unofficial start of the spring carnival, with a quality field of 12 set to line up in the $1 million feature at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
11 of the 12 runners engaged are first-up into the event, with the Chris Waller barn boasting a strong contingent of seven runners in this year’s edition, including the well-supported favourite and last year’s winner, Fangirl
The three-time Group 1 winning daughter of Sebring has been installed as a +100 favourite with horse racing bookmakers despite drawing barrier nine, with NSW leading hoop James McDonald set to take the reins.
Stable companion Via Sistina is on the second line of betting at +500, while double-figure odds are available for every other runner, with Zougotcha and Tropical Squall opening at +1000 apiece.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Semana (+1200) is the only horse with residual fitness heading into Saturday, attempting to go one better after finishing second in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) on June 29.
Meanwhile, the likes of Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Riff Rocket and Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) victor Zardozi are both well supported at +1400, with both likely to be targeted over further distance later in the campaign.
The 2024 Winx Stakes is the second leg of the quaddie at Randwick on Saturday and is scheduled to get underway at 3:50pm local time.