Date: 20th August 2022
Race Type: Group 1
Racing event: Sydney Spring Carnival
Track: Randwick
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: $500,000
The Winx Stakes is scheduled to take place on 20th August at the Randwick Racecourse in the Sydney Spring Carnival. It is a Group 1 race with a weight-for-age condition and is open to horses three years and older. The race runs over a distance of 1400m and has prize money worth $500,000.
The race status was boosted to a Group 1 race in 2018, and the prize money was also boosted. In 2021, Mounga won the race while Verry Elleegaant, the winner of the 2020 Winx Stakes, was in second place. Verry Elleegaant went on to win the George Main Stakes and the Melbourne Cup later in November.
The Winx Stakes is usually run by middle-distance runners, most of which are just starting the spring season or are in their early stages.
Runners from the Aurie Star, a Group 3 race held at the Flemington race, may go on to participate in the Winx. The last Aurie Star and Winx Stakes (called Warwick stakes at that time) double was Tiger Tees, who won in 2014. Another good lead-up is the Missile Stakes, and the last horse to win the double was Pinwheel in 2012.
First-up runners have had a good run in the race, so participants who have won a Group 1 race in the previous season before the autumn and have held their form; may also have a good chance. Mounga, the 2021 winner, was a first-up runner and won the Winx Stakes.
In the past, betting on Winx Stakes was headed by the stronger Sydney contenders who performed well, being first or second-up in races that run over 1400-1600m. Moreover, the runners that have fared well in such scenarios in recent race events in the face of tough competitions are also likely to do well.
So, a good idea is to look at past performers still faring well with a good record at Randwick and runners from Group 1 that are headed to the likes of George Main Stakes. Thus, the race tips are likely to be led by Group 1 runners with a strong form from the autumn run. Another helpful tip is to look for Chris Waller runners as he has won the race six times in the past.
