All eyes will be on the return of star mare Via Sistina in the Winx Stakes but rival jockey Tommy Berry believes it just might be the right race at the right time for Gringotts in the gelding’s bid for a second major.
Gringotts will kick off his campaign in Saturday’s Randwick feature having captured his maiden Group 1 win in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) last campaign.
While several of Gringott’s rivals are better known over longer journeys, Berry says the 1400m of the Winx Stakes is ideal for his charge and significantly, he will relish a rain-affected track.
Sydney has continued to receive a soaking this week and with rain forecast until Friday, the heavy 10 rating at Randwick is unlikely to improve.
“He has trialled really well on two occasions now and if you look at a lot of the horses going to the Winx, the 1400 isn’t going to be their preferred trip,” Berry said.
“But his first-up record is great, his 1400-metre record is great and it’s right in his sweet spot.
“He has ticked that wet track box off as well.
“He’s going awesome. I’m really looking forward to him.”
Gringotts has had 10 starts over 1400m for five wins and four seconds and is a winner of three of his four appearances on soft tracks.
He has never raced on a genuinely heavy surface but his recent trial win at Gosford was in testing ground.
A stellar field of 12 has been assembled for the opening major of the Sydney spring, nine of them Group 1 winners headlined by Via Sistina and her stablemates Fangirl and Aeliana, along with the likes of Ceolwulf and Gringott’s barn mate and Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man.
