Winx Stakes (formerly Warwick Stakes)

See the 2023 Winx Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Winx Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2021 Winx Stakes tips, preview and runner by runner.

See the 2020 Winx Stakes Preview and results.

The Warwick Stakes was first held over 8 furlongs (about 1600 metres) in 1923 and was won by Sunburst. In 1938 the distance became 7 furlongs (about 1400 metres) but it was held over 1300m in 2000 and 2001. It became a Group 2 race in 1979, and in 2018 it was elevated to Group 1 status and renamed the Winx Stakes in honour of the champion mare who won it in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The race is rarely contested by three-year-olds as it is too early in the spring, although Lonhro won as a 3YO in 2001. In recent years many of the winners have been having their first start from a spell. The race is a good lead-up to the George Main Stakes held four weeks later, and the Epsom Handicap. Mares have a great record in this race.

Last mare to win: Fangirl (2023)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Trusting (2009); Filly – Silver Shadow (1975)

Multiple winners: Winx (2016, 2017 & 2018); Lonhro (2001 & 2003); Filante (1996 & 1997): Super Impose (1990 & 1991); Kingston Town (1980, 1981 & 1982); Gay Gauntlet (1965 & 1967); Sky High (1961 & 1962); Tarien (1953 & 1954); San Domenico (1950 & 1951); Chatham (1933 & 1934); Johnnie Jason (1931 & 1932); Limerick (1927, 1928 & 1929).

Fastest time (1400m): Samadoubt (2001) 1:21:05

Interesting trivia:

This race is the first Group 1 for the spring carnival and attracts many quality horses preparing for longer races as well as fitter sprinter-milers who target this race at the end of a winter campaign. Many Warwick Stakes winners have gone on to win the George Main Stakes and a few have gone on to win the Epsom Handicap, Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup. The race has never produced a Melbourne Cup winner.

About a dozen horses have won the race on multiple occasions with three horses having won it three times – Winx (2016, 2017 and 2018), Kingston Town (1980, 1981 and 1982) and Limerick (1927, 1928 and 1929). Past winners include many famous racehorses including Winx, Lonhro, Sunline, Filante, Shaftesbury Avenue, Super Impose, Kingston Town, Sky High, Tulloch and Flight. Jockey Darby Munro won the race 6 times between 1935 and 1954.

From the archives:

Warwick Stakes Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Good  Weather: Fine

There is a field of 11 for the $500,000 Winx Stakes. Winx is the odds-on favourite after winning this race for the last 2 years and she is aiming for her 26^th consecutive win, which will break the Australian record of 25 consecutive wins set by Black Caviar. It is almost impossible to see any other horse beating her in the race they renamed to honour her. Second favourite is Randwick Guineas winner Kementari who James Cummings says is a genuine hope as he loves the track, the distance and ran on strongly for a close 2^nd in the Missile Stakes when resuming. Third favourite is D’argento who has won 2 from 2 first-up, and was 4^th in the Doncaster before spelling.

Ace High was a close 2^nd in the Australian Derby at the end of last campaign and protested unsuccessfully against the winner, but has already won two Group 1’s. Unforgotten is the only other mare in the race apart from the favourite and won the Australian Oaks before spelling. Religify has won twice at Randwick before. The other 5 runners are all currently at odds of 100 to 1 or longer. Enjoy the race as history should be made.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this year’s race.