A massive field of 16 runners is set to line up in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, with 15 of those coming in first-up for the spring campaign.
The Kerry Parker-trained Think It Over is ready to make his long-awaited return to the track, having not been seen since his magnificent victory in the ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) in 2022.
We will also see the much-anticipated return of Jamie Kah to the saddle as she reunites with Zaaki for the first time since taking out the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) last November.
Kah has been on the sidelines since March with a head injury after becoming unseated aboard Flyball at Flemington in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
Several three-year-old Group 1 winners from the autumn carnival return looking to make a successful transition into their respective four-year-old campaigns.
These include Rosehill Guineas (2000m) winner Lindermann, Randwick Guineas (1600m) winner Communist, and Australian Derby (2400m) winner Major Beel.
Chris Waller always has a strong hand in the race named after his superstar mare, and the 2023 edition is no different, with the master trainer having eight runners engaged for the $1 million feature.
Online bookmakers had Fangirl as a clear favourite before the barrier draw; however, that could change with gate 11 falling her way.
Stable regulars Hinged, Osipenko, Francesco Guardi, Princess Grace and Going Global are set to resume, while it will be interesting to see how Montefilia comes back after being transferred to Waller from the David Payne yard.
The only Godolphin runner in the race also happens to be the only galloper to have a start this preparation, with Golden Mile looking to bounce back after running ninth in the Group 2 Missile Stakes behind I Am Me.
A few more notable Group 1 winners return as well, with Rachel King set to hop aboard Tancred Stakes (2400m) winner Arapaho, while the Edward Cummings-trained mare Duais will be trying to recapture her peak performance from the 2022 Australian Cup (2000m).
The Winx Stakes is the eighth race on the program at Randwick, set to be run at 3:45pm AEST.
Winx Stakes 2023 final field
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