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| Sumita Pawar |
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Winx, the legendary mare trained by Chris Waller, secured his 100th Group One win in a spectacular victory at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. It would be fitting if Waller's 150th Group One win takes place at the race named after his incredible horse.
Waller has a strong contingent of horses on his side as he aims to reach this rare milestone on Saturday. He is edging closer to the impressive records of Australian racing icons Bart Cummings, T J Smith, and Gai Waterhouse, who have prepared 246, 246, and 154 Group One winners respectively.
The army of horses under Waller's banner for the Winx Stakes (1400m) includes Fangirl, last year's runner-up, the US import Princess Grace, and promising 4YO Osipenko and Lindermann. Additionally, Hinged, Francesco Guardi, Going Global, and Montefilia provide excellent support.
Regardless of whether Waller achieves this milestone during the weekend, his unwavering passion for winning Group One races remains as strong as ever.
"Yes, they're what drive you," Waller said. "The last few weeks I've been anxious, going through all the little systems around the stables, making sure everything is happening properly and driving all the staff mad."
Winx's Quest For Greatness Continues
Waller's excitement for the upcoming spring season is evident, as he possesses a combination of established stars like Nature Strip and a multitude of promising young horses. Among them are Shinzo and Militarize, winners of the juvenile Triple Crown, as well as Lazzago, Zougotcha, Extremely Lucky, Olentia, and Queensland Derby champion Kovalica. These young talents have yet to reach their full potential.
"I can feel it this spring more than the last couple of springs," Waller said. "It's the depth, which we haven't had the last couple of years.
"You're thinking about colts, you're thinking about two-year-olds that might take that next step, you're talking about a nice group of three-year-olds that are turning into weight-for-age horses. There is just a bit more depth there."
Fangirl, with odds of $4.40, is considered Waller's leading contender in the Winx Stakes at Randwick. However, if the track remains wet, stablemates Princess Grace and Hinged, starting from barriers one and five respectively, could also pose a serious threat in the race.
Waller is also predicting a bold first-up run from stayer Francesco Guardi (Ire). "He's on a Melbourne Cup mission and it's a starting point, but I reckon he'll be the one we're talking about after the race," he said.
"Princess Grace, the barrier draw probably brings her right into it. She's had the same preparation as Fangirl, she's had the benefit of an Australian prep and she has come back really well. She handled a soft track in the Sapphire [Stakes] at Randwick and she might be a little sneaky from barrier one."