Group 1 racing is back in session at Royal Randwick on 2023 Winx Stakes Day!
Five of the ten races on Winx Stakes Day boast black type status, and if these fields are any indication, we are set for another memorable Spring Carnival.
You can find my complete 2023 Winx Stakes Day Tips below.
Midway Handicap (1200m) – 11:35am
Vindication has been excellent this time in and looms as the one to beat in this week’s Midway Handicap.
The Deep Field gelding returned a dominant winner at Wyong last month before finishing second, beaten just over half a length by the talented and undefeated Mogo Magic.
There is no horse of that calibre engaged this week, and this bloke looks ideally placed to go one better.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Vindication
Highway Handicap (1100m) – 12:10pm
Yirrkala was a dominant winner at Scone at her latest appearance, and she’s earned a crack at a Highway race.
The Stratum Star mare has been a good horse for the Cavanough stable since debuting, but her last-start performance was easily the best of her career to date.
She’s hard fit, gets into this well at the weights and can continue her rise through the grades.
Suggested Bet: No. 13 Yirrkala
Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) – 12:45pm
I’m happy to stick with Kirkeby when he steps out in the third on Winx Stakes Day.
Kirkeby hasn’t finished worse than second at his last three appearances, striking in BM78 company at Rosehill two back before finishing second behind a very impressive Verona at his latest.
He’s another that takes his place this week in peak order, and he’ll eat up the mile and a half.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Kirkeby
Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1600m) – 1:20pm
Queenmaker has been a strong and consistent performer this year and returns from a freshen up on Winx Stakes Day.
The Tavistock mare hasn’t finished worse than second at her last five appearances, winning twice and finding form around some notable opposition.
She’s been kept up to the mark with a recent trial and the mile looks ideal.
Suggested Bet: No. 9 Queenmaker
Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) – 1:55pm
Pretty Keen on Buenos Noches when he resumes in the Show County Quality.
Buenos Noches has been a great horse for the Matt Smith yard for a few seasons now, and picked off some lovely races last year, before ending his campaign third in Group 1 company.
He made two appearances for midfield finishes in Group 1 company during the autumn, and he’s had the benefit of a couple of trials leading up to Saturday’s return.
This is actually an outstanding edition of this race, but I reckon this bloke might have a lot of them covered for class.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Buenos Noches
Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) – 2:30pm
King Frankel can make a winning return to the races in the Premier’s Cup.
The talented stayer hasn’t been seen at the races since April, but he was typically excellent during his autumn campaign, winning the Parramatta Cup when resuming and finishing third in Group 1 company, most notably.
His fresh record is excellent and the fact that his campaign is being launched over the 2000m suggests that he is very forward.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 King Frankel
Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) – 3:05pm
It’s always a wide-open contest boasting great fillies and mares, and this year’s Toy Show Quality is no exception!
Zougotcha is a dual accepter (Show County Quality), but I personally think that this is the better race for her, and the way that trainer Chris Waller will elect to go.
The Group 1 winner returned to the races in typically competitive form in autumn, adding the Phar Lap Stakes to her CV.
James McDonald takes the ride if this is the way that she goes, and that adds further confidence.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Zougotcha
Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) – 3:45pm
It has been won by many stars throughout its existence, and we are set for another thrilling edition of the Winx Stakes!
I’ve put Fangirl on top, but check out my full race preview and complete 2023 Winx Stakes Tips RIGHT HERE.
Suggested Bet: No. 13 Fangirl
Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) – 4:20pm
We’re also set for an open and strong edition of the Silver Shadow Stakes featuring some of the season’s most exciting three-year-old fillies, including Kristilli.
Kristilli made just two appearances at the races during her debut prep, but finished second on debut before breaking her maiden in eye-catching fashion in the Percy Sykes Stakes.
She’s reportedly furnished into a strong horse since her last campaign, and this is the perfect kick-off point for her.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 Kristilli
ACY Securities Handicap (1200m) – 4:55pm
Va Via’s last two races have been amongst the best of her career, and she can pull off the hat-trick when she takes her place in the last on Winx Stakes Day.
The Astern mare returned to winning form in utterly dominant fashion at Caulfield two starts back, and she franked that effort with another comfortable win at the same course, last time.
She’s about a month between starts, but she’s been kept up to the mark with a trial, and I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.
Suggested Bet: No. 6 Va Via
