Track: Soft 5 – Good 4 Weather: Sunny.

Eleven runners have accepted for the $750,000 Group 1 Winx Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Chris Waller stable two runners entered for the event, whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Anamoe has opened up the early favourite at $2.60 after another good preparation in the Autumn. He finished up his preparation with a distant ninth in the Queen Elizabeth, where he was found to have a poor post-race recovery. He will be looking to continue his impressive overall record as he opens his Spring account.

Mo’unga is on the second line of betting at $5.50, as he returns to defend his crown in the Winx Stakes. He was very consistent last spring in weight-for-age contests and in the Autumn he only had two starts, starting with a second in the Futurity Stakes and ending with a distant sixth in the All-Aged Stakes on the heavy going.

Fangirl rounds out the top three in the betting at $6.00. She had a mixed preparation which ended on a sour note, finishing well back in the Queen of the Turf, later found to have had a poor post-race recovery. The stable have opted for this race instead of other options on the day, so expect a bold return.

1. Mo’unga (2)

Returning after 126 days. Has a terrific first-up record and will love the drying track. He has drawn beautifully in barrier two and he is a huge chance to defend his title.

2. Stockman (6)

Returning after 133 days. Should run boldly but he will be looking for further.

3. Anamoe (1)

Returning after 133 days. He is the class of the race who generally runs well first-up. This is the longest he has started first-up and I think with the longer distance races in mind (Cox Plate) I think he will need this run but he deserves favouritism and a win wouldn’t surprise.

4. Profondo (7)

Returning after 154 days. He has promised the world and delivered an atlas in his career and this is his first go against older horses. He will be wanting longer and if you trust him, take him. But I don’t and want to see something before I include him.

5. Hilal (3)

Another who is always loved but delivers little. He was poor first-up and this looks too tough for him.

6. Benaud (4)

Returning after 140 days. Finished last preparation with a second in the Australian Derby. Should run well but he will need the run as he will be looking for much further.

7. Duais (5)

Returning after 133 days. She is coming off a decent preparation saluting in the Australia Cup and Tancred Stakes. Goes okay first-up but she will want a bit further. I expect a big run and for her to be hitting the line well.

8. Forbidden Love (10)

Finished 3.5 lengths back in sixth first-up when favourite and there were no excuses. Has she come back as well as the Autumn? She faces a harder task now on a drying track. I can’t have her based on her first-up effort.

9. Icebath (8)

Returning after 126 days. She has the blinkers coming off and she runs well first-up. She is coming off a winless Autumn but was as bold as ever. They opted for this race over others which is interesting. She should run well but I don’t see her winning this.

10. Fangirl (9)

Returning after 133 days. Another who has opted for this race instead of other options. She will appreciate the drying track and Hugh Bowman has jumped off Forbidden Love for this girl. She will likely get back from the draw and should be hitting the line well. Place chance.

11. Hinged (11)

Returning after 133 days. In this race for the run, I suspect but did have a chance to run in another race instead of this. Wants further.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
1 Mo’unga	1 Mo’unga
3 Anamoe	3 Anamoe
10 Fangirl	10 Fangirl
9 Icebath	8 Forbidden Love