Horse Racing Tips for Winx Stakes 2024

The tantalising and intriguing Group 1 Winx Stakes opens the Spring Carnival, but strike me...

Is the gap between short-priced favourite Fangirl and her stablemate Zougotcha too wide?

I think so!

We know what a push-button machine Fangirl is when fresh for Chris Waller's yard, and her trials indicate she's in the right shape to run a sharp 1400m.

However, in what promises to be a tactical affair with limited speed, the early $2.20 quote for Fangirl against Zougotcha’s $9.50 seems like a joke.

Throw in Waller's third runner in what is a massive Group 1 assault, Via Sistina was marked at $7.00 early on.

This further proves while Fangirl is a natural favourite, she’s definitely under the odds.

Break down the sectionals at weight-for-age across the field and surely Zougotcha is better served.

Those stablemates sitting well off the pace might start looking around at the 650m mark, wondering who will make the first move.

 

 

Winx Stakes 2024 Tips and Best Bets

Track Conditions:

Randwick’s surface is rated Soft 5 and with scattered showers expected, it’s likely to remain in that soft range.

The rail is set 3m out, so look for horses positioning themselves a few lanes off the fence and stalking the pace for the best runs.

 

See who the All-In boys like in the Winx Stakes

 

The Speed Map:

With most of the better fancies off-speed types, the tempo should only be moderate for such a high-class race.

That plays into the hands of resuming Zougotcha.

Last season's rampant Group 1 Queen Of The Turf and Coolmore Classic winner, can punch forward and track the leader closely.

 

The long-price fly in the ointment over the first furlong or two may be the seven-year-old Just Fine resuming for his first run since mid-March.

Naturally at his best over much further being the Group 1 Metropolitan winner (2400m) from last season, he loves to roll forward and has been fitted with two trials.

 

The other one who will go forward, and likely cross to the front from a wide draw is progressive and resuming home track mare Tropical Squall who has won both lead-up hitouts.

She is the one who can drag Zougotcha across to a prime striking position sitting a couple of lengths back.

 

Via Sistina and the rank "roughie" Zeyrek park around midfield, along with Detonator Jack ($16.00).

That leaves powerhouse mare Fangirl, young star Riff Rocket and Atishu lobbing along at or near the rear.

 

It will be fascinating to see what Riff Rocket runs his last 400m in.

The last part of his most recent trial from the back was very eye-catching, and we know what a finishing motor he has.

 

 

The Favourite - Fangirl:

Fangirl’s explosive acceleration makes her the horse to beat, but her early price of $2.20 was far too short in such a competitive field.

She’s had two quiet trials and is primed for this race, but with a moderate tempo and several strong rivals, she is vulnerable at her current odds.

 

Neil's Best Bet: Zougotcha (Each-Way)

At her generous odds, Zougotcha presents a compelling each-way bet.

She looked sharp in her trials and should land in a prime position behind the leaders.

She also relishes soft ground, which could further boost her chances if the showers return.

 

The Dangers:

• Fangirl: Classy and the natural danger, her ability to sprint off any pace makes her a serious threat.
• Via Sistina: Another classy mare with a strong turn of foot, expect her to be finishing hard from midfield.
• Riff Rocket: The Guineas and Derby winner will be flooding home late, but may need a stronger tempo to produce his best.

 

Neil’s Top Four:

1. Zougotcha
2. Via Sistina
3. Fangirl
4. Riff Rocket

 

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