The first Group l of the Australian racing season is the Winx Stakes (1400m) this Saturday at Randwick and it shapes up to be an intriguing contest with several key runners resuming.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2022 Winx Stakes.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Winx Stakes
2022 Winx Stakes Speed Map
2022 Winx Stakes Runner Preview
1. Mo’Unga: Mo’Unga won this race last year and I think he’s set up really well to repeat the dose. Resumes for Annabel Neasham after a two run Autumn, where he ran second in the Futurity before a let up and racing in the All Aged where the track was too wet. Given a good break and he’s never been a star trialler. He’s a race day horse, and with a dry deck on the cards, he’s the one to beat IMO.
2. Stockman: Handy stayer that resumes after a solid Autumn prep. He is a 2400m+ horse, likely has eyes on The Metropolitan, so first up here, I dare say he’ll need the run.
3. Anamoe: Anamoe is a high class galloper that resumes for James Cummings. He has been somewhat hit and miss throughout his career but his best is elite. Couple of very strong trials to get ready for his return and you’d think the stable want to give him every chance to win a WFA Group l as an older horse.
4. Profondo: Fascinating runner. Two run Autumn prep and with due respect, the campaign was a howler, so I am binning that. His first prep in the Spring was very good and the world was his oyster. His trials leading in have been strong…he’s the one with enormous upside that could win…just rather watch than back.
5. Hilal: Just a run in the Missile, won by rank outsider Hard Empire. I am penning that as a form reference for this race, so I am dismissing him as a winning threat against these.
6. Benaud: Talented stayer that resumes, and similar to Stockman, has eyes on The Metropolitan and potentially the Cups. Just one trial leading in, so I think he’ll need the run, but will be strong late.
7. Duais: High quality mare that makes her eagerly awaited return to the track after a fabulous Autumn. The query with her is the stable have indicated that the Cups are her go, and have flagged the Japan Cup as well. She won’t be wound up for this, likely eases back…can’t see her winning. Can see her finishing top four.
8. Forbidden Love: She had every possible chance in the Missile and was plain late behind Hard Empire. This is harder and a few yard experts said she was certainly forward enough for the first up effort, so I am surprised she is around $5-$6. I think she should be double that.
9. Icebath: Non winner who tries her guts out. Resumes after a strong Autumn, but also frustrating because while she ran well, she didn’t win. Two trials leading in for her return and she is a horse who is a 1400m/1600m specialist, whereas most of these aren’t. A win wouldn’t totally shock.
10. Fangirl: Fangirl is a high quality mare for Chris Waller that resumes. She had a fab Autumn prep, highlighted by a dominant win in the Vinery Stud at Group l level. Her two trials leading in have been strong, the latest in fast time behind Overpass, so she’s had a good grounding to run a positive first up race.
11. Hinged: The wide gate turns me right off her. I know the stable and connections were half keen on her running well here, on the proviso she drew well. She has the wide gate, so she likely drifts back to last and finds the line. But, if they press the button early and signal intent, she can win.
2022 Winx Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Group l Strategy Outlay: $0
Group l Strategy Return: $0
