Winx’s stablemates looking for limelight

While Winx is now the horse by which all others are measured, several of her stablemates are gearing up for their share of the limelight.

Trainer Chris Waller had his first stakes runners of the season at Randwick on Saturday with Omei Sword’s Silver Shadow win stamping her as a future Group One performer.

Her victory came a couple of races before Winx toyed with her rivals in her triumphant return, extending her winning streak to 10.

Winx was responsible for five of Waller’s haul of 15 Group One wins last season and Tsaritsa and Mackintosh will try to emulate her 2015 spring, going to the Theo Marks Stakes first-up and then to the G1 Epsom Handicap.

“They both raced in Queensland during their carnival so they will start a bit later after having a break,” Waller said.

“It’s a big ask to think either of them could do what Winx did but that’s the way their programs are.

“After the Epsom we will look at other targets.”

Winx went from the Epsom to the Cox Plate and while Mackintosh and Tsaritsa are nominated, Waller isn’t getting that far ahead.

Mackintosh won two Group Three races in Brisbane in May but struggled over the 2400 metres of the Queensland Derby.

Tsaritsa won the Queensland Guineas and finished third in a three-way photo-finish to the Listed Daybreak Lover Stakes.

Both ran in an 850m barrier trial on Friday with Mackintosh third behind Group One winners English and Japonisme.

While Tsaritsa finished last of the 10 runners, she was in the pack and Waller was pleased with her effort.

“They both trialled well but in saying that, it was a pretty strong trial with a lot of good horses in it,” he said.

Waller said Japonisme would make his return in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) on September 3, a week before the Theo Marks (1300m).

Winx will will also race on September 3 when she will line up in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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