Winx Stakes 2023 preview & betting tips | Saturday, August 19

The Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) signifies spring is fast approaching, and the $1 million feature has drawn an outstanding field of 16 for the first top-tier race of the 2023/24 racing season.

Think It Over is looking to make a triumphant return from a long break since winning the 2022 edition of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while Zaaki and Jamie Kah will combine for the first time since November.

Some 15 of the 16 gallopers engaged will be attempting to win this race first-up, including eight Chris Waller runners, while the lone Godolphin galloper, Golden Mile, is the only horse to have a lead-up run heading into Saturday.

WINX STAKES 2023 ODDS

Despite a lacklustre Brisbane campaign in the winter months, the Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki ($4) heads the market with online bookmakers, with the Chris Waller-trained Fangirl ($4.40) not far away on the second line of betting. You can get double-figure odds for every other galloper, with Think It Over ($10), Golden Mile ($10), Mounga ($10) Osipenko ($11), Lindermann ($16) and Princess Grace ($15) all likely to have plenty of admirers. Arapaho ($81) and Francesco Guardi ($71) are notable outsiders in the market, as they kick off their respective campaigns with staying races in mind – likely the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup later down the line.

WINX STAKES 2023 SPEED MAP

There doesn’t seem to be too much speed drawn for this year’s Winx Stakes; however, we expect a few horses to naturally head forward. Hinged (5) is best ridden to find a position and has drawn to cross to the inside rail if Kerrin McEvoy chooses to do so. The same can be said for Zaaki (8), who has residual fitness on his side after his trip north. Think It Over (7) maps to find a prominent spot somewhere forward of mid-field if Nash Rawiller is so inclined, and Golden Mile (2) should park in behind the leaders to gain an ideal spot in transit. With other targets in mind, a majority of these won’t be looking to set the turf alight, so expect the likes of Osipenko (17) and Montefilia (15) to be dragged back towards the rear of the field from their awkward draws.

WINX STAKES 2023 FORM & BETTING PREVIEW

Even though it’s been almost 500 days off the scene for Think It Over, he looks the one to beat. He went to the paddock after a jaw-dropping win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year, but we want to focus more on his dominant first-up win in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes from that preparation. His career first-up record is impressive, with eight starts for four wins and two minor placings. His barrier trial on August 4 was exceptional when chasing home Mo’unga, and if that’s anything to go by, we can’t miss out on the double-figure odds on offer.

Lindermann returns from an incredible autumn campaign that culminated with a peak performance in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. Chris Waller seemingly has the son of Lonhro ticking over beautifully, with his latest trial win at Canterbury catching the eye.

Princess Grace is the horse Lindermann chased home on that occasion, and she is another galloper worthy of an each-way bet. She’s only had two starts since arriving in Australia for Chris Waller, with the latter being a barnstorming win in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown on April 22. She may not prove classy enough, but she’s worth a pop.

Fangirl and Zaaki are the favoured pair, and for good reason. They have some of the best form-lines through Anamoe from last season, and we’ve got no knocks against either. It’s simply a matter of price that leaves them outside the top three selections.

WINX STAKES 2023 SELECTIONS & BEST BETS

• 1

  THINK IT OVER

• 9

  LINDERMANN

• 15

  PRINCESS GRACE

• 13

  FANGIRL

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