Group l racing for the 2021/22 season kicks off this Saturday at Randwick with a crack field assembled for the Winx Stakes (1400m). The track is going to be in the good range, more than likely a 3, and with the rail in the true position, traditionally, those in a forward spot are not disadvantaged.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2021 Winx Stakes.
2021 Winx Stakes Speed Map
Tim Clark being booked for Kolding tells me they’ll be positive from the outset and with that, should give Dreamforce the ideal cart over. Think It Over should be able to settle in the first four whether it be behind the leader or in the 1/1. Verry Elleegant has drawn five and at worst, will be three/four pairs back in the run. Mo’Unga to drag back from the wide gate, along with She’s Ideel. Brandenburg is drawn quite wide and Rachel King might have to press forward to find a spot, but risks getting caught wide.
2021 Winx Stakes Runner Preview
1. Kolding: Resumed in the Missile two weeks ago and to the eye, the run was just fair, but it was pretty much a 600m dash and that is clearly not his go. Tempo will be more genuine this time around and he does have the run under the belt compared to the majority of the field?
Odds: $5.00 – Bet Now
2. Think it Over: The days of this horse being underestimated are over. He’s a star, winning the George Ryder before a gutsy fourth in the Queen Elizabeth. Has looked sharp in a couple of trials and should lob into a lovely spot from the gate on his preferred dry ground. Hard to beat.
Odds: $9.50 – Bet Now
3. Cascadian: He’s an enigma but did win the Doncaster Mile, under a peach steer from Jamie Kah. Just one so trial leading into this, but if you read/hear James Cummings, he is quite bullish about this horse and his prospects for Saturday. Market will be fascinating.
Odds: $11.00 – Bet Now
4. Dreamforce: Getting on in years, but potentially gets a soft lead and we know this horse is an absolute bomb when he gets control in front. Poor in this race last year but that was on wet ground and he’s clearly a better horse on firmer footing.
Odds: $16.00 – Bet Now
5. Imaging: Threatened to be a Group l winner but hasn’t delivered. Just one soft trial at Doomben to prepare for his return. Can make a case to say he should have won this race last year and Kathy O’Hara does get on well with him so I think he’s a definite market and hard watch.
Odds: $18.00 – Bet Now
6. Star Of The Seas: Has been a strong campaigner for Waller for a number of seasons but I do feel he is best suited when he gets his toe and on not a rock hard track, which is what he will get on the weekend, so happy to let him go.
Odds: $23.00 – Bet Now
7. Kelai Nautique: He will either run tailed off last or run a very cheeky race and stamp his Epsom credentials. Trials have been solid, and the stable have have good success with the Japanese bred gallopers. Prefer to watch than back.
Odds: $51.00 – Bet Now
8. Master Of Wine: He was the biggest disappointment of last season after bursting into the scene during the 2020 Autumn Carnival. Has trialled well leading in and his best could see him sneak a first four spot. But again, I’d rather watch than back him to do it.
Odds: $51.00 – Bet Now
9. Brandenburg: Has the Zaaki form, which is absolute gold. Came back to somewhere near his best last time in and has trialled in good order for his return. Just a matter of where he gets to in the run from the draw. May get caught wide.
Odds: $41.00 – Bet Now
10. Mount Popa: On a Caulfield Cup path following his Mornington Cup win. Not sure he will be wound up for this, even though he is very much talented. Look for him to get back and find the line.
Odds: $41.00 – Bet Now
11. Mo’Unga: Just one trial, but the boy looks a man from what I saw. He appears to have come back a bigger, better horse, and we know he is blessed with so much talent. Could easily have had something on him if he drew better.
Odds: $8.00 – Bet Now
12. Verry Elleegant: Champion mare on a Cox Plate path. Just one trial to get ready but she has the class/quality to produce something special first up. The query being she’s not a noted first up performer on dry ground so IMO, she’s not a betting proposition at $3. Give me $5+ and I’d be interested.
Odds: $2.90 – Bet Now
13. She’s Ideel: Ambitious Melbourne Cup prep in store for this mare. Drawn wide and being set for a 3200m race, she will drag back from the wide gate and go through her gears as she gets the miles in her legs.
Odds: $91.00 – Bet Now
14. Hungry Heart: I’m saving on this mare. She’s a star I think, on dry ground only. That is what she gets on Saturday and though just one trial to get ready, she looked to be trucking in the run. If she can hold a spot from the draw and be within range, gee I think she’ll be dangerous.
Odds: $15.00 – Bet Now
2021 Winx Stakes $100 Betting Strategy
Happy to lock in $9.5/$3.1 for Think It Over and having $20 Win/$60 Place on him. He just finds the A1 run from the draw, likes a dry track, proven at the track/distance on dry ground fresh…I thought he was more a $5.5/$6 chance. The other $20 will be on Hungry Heart and I’ll take Tote/Top Fluc for her. She gets conditions to suit re dry ground and hopefully can hold a spot from the good gate.
