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2020 Winx Stakes - Avilius to lead Godolphin charge in first Group 1 of the season
Avilius represents the powerful Blue Army in the first Group 1 race of the Sydney Spring Carnival
Avilius heads nominations for the Winx Stakes at Randwick
2020 Winx Stakes Tips & Picks
| Date | August 24, 2020 |
| Time | 3:00pm |
| Track | Randwick |
| Distance | 1400m |
| Conditions | WFA |
| Prize Money | $500,000 |
| Age | 3YO+ |
The 2020 Winx Stakes won’t have its namesake running this year, but a quality field will line up in the first Group 1 of the Sydney Spring Carnival.
A race taken out by Winx over the last few years, the Winx Stakes is now a staple Group 1 to open the new season and bookmakers have framed an even market for the feature at Randwick.
The 2019 Winx Stakes market is headed by some big names in Australian racing, including Avilius, Brutal and Happy Clapper. Which runner will take out the Winx Stakes? We have our best Winx Stakes tips and picks below.
2020 Winx Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avilius (GB) | James Cummings | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 |
| 2 | Happy Clapper | Patrick Webster | Hugh Bowman | 5 |
| 3 | Le Romain | Kris Lees | Glen Ross | 9 |
| 4 | Best Of Days (GB) | James Cummings | Nash Rawiller | 6 |
| 5 | Kings Will Dream (IRE) | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 2 |
| 6 | Samadoubt | Bjorn Baker | Tim Clark | 4 |
| 7 | Invincible Gem | Kris Lees | N/A | 1 |
| 8 | Unforgotten | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 7 |
| 9 | Youngstar | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 10 |
| 10 | Verry Elleegant (NZ) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 3 |
2020 Winx Stakes Best Bet – Avilius 3.20
The James Cummings-trained Avilius is the current favourite for the Winx Stakes and rightfully so in our opinion.
He’s a five-year-old gelding with a wealth of experience at the top level and he could use this race as a warm up for a potential Melbourne Cup run. The 2018 Melbourne Cup is the only disappointing run on his record in Australia but he had no luck during the run.
It’s unclear if connections will be heading that way again, but either way he’s a top chance in the 2019 Winx Stakes.
He’s a winner of four of his last five starts, which included wins in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes and Group 1 Tancred Stakes.
This distance might be a touch below his best but he usually hits the ground running and this should be no different.
2020 Winx Stakes Best Each Way – Verry Elleegant @ 3.80
The former Kiwi mare comes into this race having won consecutive Group 1 races and there has been a stack of money for her.
Now a four-year-old, Verry Elleegant has a good record over the 1400m and punters have identified that throughout the week.
Waller has her running at the best of her ability and she might go to another level this campaign.
The one concern is her lack of experience outside of age-group racing, but we wouldn't be ruling her out.
2020 Winx Stakes Best Roughie – Happy Clapper @ 5.00
Happy Clapper is an old boy of racing now as he approaches nine years of age, but that might not stop him this season.
The Patrick Webster-trained runner was good enough to run fourth in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes behind Winx when last on the track.
He typically finds form quickly in the campaign and with Winx being retired to stud, that could give Happy Clapper some big time wins throughout the year.
Punters are getting a great each-way price of 10.00 and we can’t see him paying that on the day of the race. Take the value on offer now.
Verdict
Avilius and Verry Elleegant could have this race between themselves. They're both fresh up and plenty is expected from both runners this spring.
Happy Clapper isn't quite a "roughie" chance but punters should include the grand galloper in their selections.
Best Bet: Avilius @220 at bet365 - 4 Units
Best Each Way: Verry Elleegant @280 at bet365 - 4 Units
Best Roughie: Happy Clapper @400 at bet365 - 1 Unit
