Winx draws 6 of 8 in George Main Stakes

Champion mare Winx has drawn barrier six in the eight horse field for the Group 1 $500,000 Colgate Optic White Stakes (George Main Stakes) (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Winx has drawn barrier 6 of 8 in the George Main Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winx has drawn barrier 6 of 8 in the George Main Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winx will be up against seven opponents as she tries to win her eleventh race in succession and trainer Chris Waller says his star mare is in fine shape even after missing a run because of the heavy track in the Group 2 $250,000 Tattersalls Club Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 3.

Waller decided against running Winx on a heavy track but has kept her fitness up with a third in a 1000m barrier trial at Warwick Farm last Friday.

“She doesn’t need to do too much but I think trialling will ensure she isn’t so fresh going to the George Main Stakes,” Waller said.

“She is ticking along nicely, we are all very pleased with her condition.”

Winx began her 2016 Spring Carnival campaign with an effortless win in the Group 2 $250,000 Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 20, chalking up her tenth win in succession.

Hugh Bowman has been aboard the 2015 Cox Plate winner in eight of her last ten wins and is in in the saddle again in the George Main Stakes and will be able to give Winx a trouble free run from barrier six.

Waller will also saddle up French import Spiritjim, barrier eight with Brenton Avdullam and Vanburgh, barrier three with Glyn Schofield to ride.

Trainer John O’Shea will have two runners wearing the Godophin royal blue colours, Hauraki, barrier five with James McDonald to ride and It’s Somewhat, barrier four with Tim Clark engaged.

Hauraki produced a solid first up win in the Group 2 $175,000 Tattersalls Club Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 3 with It’s Somewhat two lengths behind him in fourth place.

The Kris Lees trained Le Romain has drawn the rails with Christian Reith back in the saddle and the four year will be having his third run back this campaign after finishing runner up in both the Group 3 $125,000 Bob Ingham Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick on August 20 and the Tramway Stakes.

Leading Melbourne trainer Darren Weir has decided to head to Sydney with Japanese import Tosen Stardom who has drawn barrier seven in the George Main Stakes with Craig Williams to ride.

Great Esteem from the Caulfield stables of Stuart Webb has won his last two starts at Caulfield but will find this a lot tougher than his latest win in the Listed $120,000 Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield on August 27.

Kerrin McEvoy takes the ride on Great Esteem who has drawn barrier two.

Winx will start the short priced favourite again on Saturday and Ladbrokes.com.au will have some great promotions for the George Main Stakes.

Early market order for the Colgate Optic White Stakes (George Main Stakes) at Ladbrokes.com.au: $1.14 Winx, $9.50 Tosen Stardom, $11 Hauraki, $15 Le Romain, $26 It’s Somewhat, $126 Great Esteem, Vanburgh, $301 Spiritjim.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.