The opening Group 1 of the season blasts the gates open on Sydney’s spring carnival, and with punters in for a beauty, Neds are here with our expert Winx Stakes 2026 betting tips, predictions and favourites.
A stacked WFA field rolls into Randwick with the big guns fresh, plenty of hype over the resuming stars, and a headline showdown brewing between the short-priced queen Autumn Glow looking to pick up where she left off and the rising star, Sheza Alibi, out to spoil the party in the Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m).
With seven other runners from the same powerhouse Waller yard there to keep their odds-on stablemate honest, this year’s edition has it all – class, depth, pressure, and plenty of exotic Winx Stakes betting opportunites to add some value outside of AG.
Time to dive into our full Winx Stakes racing preview as we break down the key chances and build out the Same Race Multi plays that can kickstart your spring the right way!
2026 Winx Stakes Favourites & Best Bets
AUTUMN GLOW (3) rolls into the 2026 Winx Stakes as the one they all have to beat, and the market hasn’t missed her — she’s gone up a short favourite and it’s easy to see why.
The Waller-trained superstar has made a habit of torching fields fresh, and her résumé at Randwick is outrageous: near‑perfect at the track, unbeaten at 1400m, and armed with that trademark turn of foot that made her an instant headline act from the moment she debuted.
Her lone slip‑up came when stretched well beyond her comfort zone in the Queen Elizabeth, but back to her sweet spot and reunited with J‑Mac, she looks primed to pick up right where she left off.
With over $8.5 million already in the bank and a set of trials that say she’s ready to launch, the champ should remind everyone why she’s the benchmark at WFA.
Neds Verdict: The Randwick weapon returns to her pet trip and should take care of business — the Winx Stakes favourite for good reason.
| 8. Autumn Glow (3) J: James McDonald 57kg 1113xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation third of 7 at this track in the G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m, 2.5 len behind Sir Delius with 57kg at $1.30. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.75 len this track G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m defeating Aeliana carrying 57kg at $1.40. Champion mare who can keep her undefeated first up record intact. | |||
SHEZA ALIBI (1) rolls into the Winx Stakes as the clear danger to the favourite, and the buzz around her return has been building all winter.
The Moody/Coleman-trained Saxon Warrior mare has barely put a foot wrong in her career — ultra‑consistent, brutally strong late, and already a seven‑time winner from just ten starts.
Her autumn campaign was a demolition derby: a dominant Group 2 win at Caulfield, a ruthless Randwick Guineas victory against the boys, and that unforgettable Doncaster Mile triumph where she monstered older rivals from a wide gate and became the first filly in nearly three decades to win it.
Two sharp Pakenham jump‑outs say she’s tuned to explode fresh, Luke Nolen knows exactly how to ride her, and she brings enormous upside into her first crack at WFA.
The inside draw means she’ll need the right map, but if she lands cleanly and produces anything close to her autumn peak, she’s the one most likely to make Autumn Glow earn it.
Neds Verdict: The Winx Stakes danger with genuine knockout power — expect her to turn this into a proper contest if she gets the right run.
| 14. Sheza Alibi (1) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg x111xT: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation by posting a big 4.5 len win at this track carrying 49kg in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m slow track defeating Autumn Boy at $1.90. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.25 len Caulfield G2 Armanasco February 21 over 1400m defeating Salty Pearl with 58.5kg at $1.50. Exciting mare who kicks off in a strong Winx, will need to be good from the rails draw. | |||
LADY SHENANDOAH (2) might not carry the spotlight like her glamour stablemate, but she’s absolutely the one punters should be circling as the value play in this year’s Winx Stakes.
The Snitzel mare is a proper Randwick operator — rock‑solid every time she steps out there and unbeaten at the 1400m trip she gets on Saturday.
She hasn’t landed a win since her Group 1 double last autumn, but she’s been right in the thick of elite company ever since: a razor‑tight Concorde second fresh, a brave Everest run, and a string of top‑four finishes through the autumn that prove she’s still right at the level.
Her lead‑up work has been steady rather than flashy, but she’s a mare who saves her best for race day, and the draw in gate two sets her up to stalk the speed with Kerrin McEvoy taking over.
Expect her to settle midfield, build through her gears and be one of the strongest closers late — exactly the profile you want for exotics in a deep WFA race.
Neds Verdict: The Winx Stakes value roughie who can surge late and blow up plenty of multis if she gets the right run.
| 12. Lady Shenandoah (2) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 57kg 3342xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 11 at this track in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 0.9 len behind Idle Flyer with 57kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $6. Look for her closing strongly. | |||
2026 Winx Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 2 – No. 8 Autumn Glow
- Top 3 – No. 14 Sheza Alibi
- Top 4 – No. 12 Lady Shenandoah
AUTUMN GLOW (3) is the rock‑solid Top 2 anchor for any Same Race Multi, kicking off her spring as a short favourite and returning to the exact conditions where she’s at her most lethal. Her Randwick strike‑rate is outrageous, her 1400m record spotless, and her first‑up profile is the stuff punters dream about — she simply turns up and performs. Forget the late‑autumn experiment at a longer trip; back at her sweet spot with J‑Mac steering, she looks a near‑certainty to be in the frame again and remains the safest leg for multis.
SHEZA ALIBI (1) is the Top 3 danger every punter should be wary of. She’s fresh off a savage autumn campaign where she steamrolled everything put in front of her, proving she’s not just talented but brutally reliable. Ten starts, never out of the money, and her jump‑outs say she’s ready to launch straight away. The inside draw means she’ll need a clean map, but if she lands anywhere with cover, she’ll be building through her gears late and making Autumn Glow earn every inch. She’s the one most likely to turn this into a genuine contest.
LADY SHENANDOAH (2) is your Top 4 value roughie, the kind of exotic play that can juice up a Same Race Multi without needing a miracle. She’s a proven Randwick operator, unbeaten at the trip, and always sharper under race‑day pressure than she ever looks in trials. The gate two draw is perfect, Kerrin McEvoy jumps aboard, and she profiles as the mare who’ll settle midfield and surge late — exactly the type you want filling out the wider legs.
| 8. Autumn Glow (3) J: James McDonald 57kg 1113xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation third of 7 at this track in the G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m, 2.5 len behind Sir Delius with 57kg at $1.30. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.75 len this track G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m defeating Aeliana carrying 57kg at $1.40. Champion mare who can keep her undefeated first up record intact. | |||
| 12. Lady Shenandoah (2) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 57kg 3342xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 11 at this track in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 0.9 len behind Idle Flyer with 57kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $6. Look for her closing strongly. | |||
| 14. Sheza Alibi (1) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg x111xT: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation by posting a big 4.5 len win at this track carrying 49kg in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m slow track defeating Autumn Boy at $1.90. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.25 len Caulfield G2 Armanasco February 21 over 1400m defeating Salty Pearl with 58.5kg at $1.50. Exciting mare who kicks off in a strong Winx, will need to be good from the rails draw. | |||
Favourites in 2026 Winx Stakes Betting
The 2026 Winx Stakes betting market is dominated by two elite mares, with Autumn Glow holding firm as the clear top pick and Sheza Alibi the only other runner in single‑figure territory. A pair of talented resumers — Beiwacht and Lady Shenandoah — round out the main dangers for punters chasing value. Read on as we take a closer look into the key Winx Stakes favourites shaping the latest odds.
Clear Favourite: No. 8 Autumn Glow
The champion mare resumes as the odds‑on elect and brings one of the most bulletproof first‑up profiles in the country. Her only career blemish came when stretched to 2000m in the Queen Elizabeth, and she now drops back to her pet Randwick 1400m trip — a distance and track she has never lost at. Two strong trials have her ready to tag a fast tempo and launch late, and the J‑Mac partnership remains a major tick.
Why she’s the one to beat:
- Unbeaten first‑up
- Perfect Randwick 1400m record
- Elite jockey/horse combo
- Ideal distance range
- Maps to settle midfield and pounce
Autumn Glow looks perfectly placed to keep her flawless fresh record intact and justify favouritism.
|
8. Autumn Glow (3)
J: James McDonald 57kg
1113xT: Chris Waller
|
|||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation third of 7 at this track in the G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m, 2.5 len behind Sir Delius with 57kg at $1.30. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.75 len this track G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m defeating Aeliana carrying 57kg at $1.40. Champion mare who can keep her undefeated first up record intact. | |||
Second Favourite: No. 14 Sheza Alibi
The only other runner under double figures, Sheza Alibi returns off a monster autumn where she destroyed rivals in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster. She’s unbeaten first‑up, primed with two jump‑outs, and brings a lethal turn of foot — but the rails draw is the small query. If she finds the right spot early, she’s the mare most capable of toppling the favourite.
Key positives:
- Unbeaten with her jockey
- Unbeaten at Randwick
- Jockey flying
- Strong 1400m–1600m profile
- Blinkers on
Expect her to settle midfield and charge late.
|
14. Sheza Alibi (1)
J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg
x111xT: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
|
|||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation by posting a big 4.5 len win at this track carrying 49kg in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m slow track defeating Autumn Boy at $1.90. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.25 len Caulfield G2 Armanasco February 21 over 1400m defeating Salty Pearl with 58.5kg at $1.50. Exciting mare who kicks off in a strong Winx, will need to be good from the rails draw. | |||
Next Best: No. 5 Beiwacht
The All Aged Stakes winner resumes from a good draw and is undefeated at the 1400m trip. His trials suggest he’s forward enough, and Rawiller sticking is a big push. He maps to lead, control the tempo and give the favourites something to chase.
Why he’s a value danger:
- Unbeaten at the distance
- Jockey in hot form
- Perfect 1300m–1500m profile
- Strong first‑up placing history
If he gets his own way up front, he can give a big sight.
|
5. Beiwacht (4)
J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg
8261xT: Chris Waller
|
|||
| Entire back from a spell of four-and-a-half months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign by 0.9 len this track G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m defeating Lazzura with 56.5kg at $6.50. First up last campaign ran last of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 6 len behind Tentyris carrying 55.5kg at $9. Suited this level and gets map favours. | |||
Next Best Under No. 12 Lady Shenandoah
A reliable fresh mare who always runs well first‑up and brings strong Group 1 form from the Queen Turf. She’ll settle midfield and be one of the strongest closers late, especially if the tempo is genuine.
Key ticks:
- Unbeaten at the distance
- Excellent fresh record
- Ideal 1300m–1600m range
- Strong closing sectionals
She’s the mare most likely to swoop into the finish at value.
|
12. Lady Shenandoah (2)
J: Kerrin Mcevoy 57kg
3342xT: Chris Waller
|
|||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 11 at this track in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 0.9 len behind Idle Flyer with 57kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $6. Look for her closing strongly. | |||
Latest Winx Stakes 2026 Betting Odds
| 1. Ceolwulf (8) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 1x66xT: Joseph Pride | |||
| Resumes after a break of six months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation sixth of 9 at this track in the G1 V Elleegant February 28 over 1600m, soft track; 5.5 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $14. When resuming last campaign sixth of 10 at this track in the G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m, 5 len behind Autumn Glow with 59kg at $10. Expecting him to hit the ground running this campaign. | |||
| 2. Gringotts (7) J: Ethan Brown 59kg x924xT: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation fourth of 16 at this track in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m, soft track; 6 len behind Sheza Alibi with 58.5kg at $12. When resuming last campaign second last of 10 at this track in the G1 Cant Stks March 7 over 1300m, 1.75 len behind Joliestar carrying 59kg at $15. Looks to be back in great shape, respect. | |||
| 3. Lindermann (12) J: Hugh Bowman 59kg 3922xT: Chris Waller | |||
| First-up. Finished off last preparation second of 7 at this track in the G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m, 2.25 len behind Sir Delius with 59kg at $31. Previously first up; third of 10 at this track in the G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 59kg at $13. Will take great benefit from this run. | |||
| 4. Midnight Dynamite (5) J: Tim Clark 59kg 21314T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently 4th of 7 in the G2 Missile Stakes at this track on August 8 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Ninja carrying 56kg at $10. The start before that won by 3 len in the LR Winter Challenge at Rosehill on July 18 over 1500m in the wet defeating Just Folk with 57kg at $3.20. Goes to a new level here and place best. | |||
| 5. Beiwacht (4) J: Nash Rawiller 58.5kg 8261xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Entire back from a spell of four-and-a-half months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign by 0.9 len this track G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m defeating Lazzura with 56.5kg at $6.50. First up last campaign ran last of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Lightning February 14 over 1000m, 6 len behind Tentyris carrying 55.5kg at $9. Suited this level and gets map favours. | |||
| 6. Autumn Boy (6) J: Adam Hyeronimus 58.5kg 3212xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Resuming after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation second of 16 at this track in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m, soft track; 4.5 len behind Sheza Alibi with 52kg at $10. Previously first up; third of 7 at Rosehill in the G2 Hobartvlle February 21 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Ninja with 56.5kg at $2.90. Prefer to see at this level. | |||
| 7. Green Spaces (14) J: Rachel King 58.5kg 6621xT: Bjorn Baker | |||
| First-up. Finished off last preparation post a big 3 len win. This track G1 Atc Derby April 4 over 2400m slow track defeating Dezignation carrying 56.5kg at $4.40. First up last campaign second last of 7 at Rosehill in the G2 Hobartvlle February 21 over 1400m, 4.5 len behind Ninja with 56.5kg at $51. Might be better off following this run. | |||
| 8. Autumn Glow (3) J: James McDonald 57kg 1113xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation third of 7 at this track in the G1 Queen Eliz April 11 over 2000m, 2.5 len behind Sir Delius with 57kg at $1.30. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.75 len this track G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m defeating Aeliana carrying 57kg at $1.40. Champion mare who can keep her undefeated first up record intact. | |||
| 9. Aeliana (11) J: Unknown 57kg 2211xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign won by neck Rosehill G1 Tancred March 28 over 2400m slow track defeating Dubai Honour with 56.5kg at $1.70. Previously first up; second of 10 at this track in the G2 Apollo February 14 over 1400m, 2.75 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 57kg at $14. Will be savaging the line. | |||
| 10. Fangirl (10) J: Tommy Berry 57kg x834xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign fourth of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 2 len behind Spicy Martini with 56.5kg at $11. First up last campaign eighth of 13 at this track in the G1 All Aged April 18 over 1400m, 3 len behind Beiwacht with 57kg at $12. Tough old mare likely to need this. | |||
| 11. Idle Flyer (9) J: Tyler Schiller 57kg x411xT: Matthew Smith | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign by 0.9 len this track G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m defeating Lady Shenandoah with 57kg at $6. When resuming last campaign fourth of 12 at this track in the G3 Wenonagirl March 7 over 1200m, 1.5 len behind Gangsta Granny carrying 54.5kg at $2.30. Happy to watch first up. | |||
| 12. Lady Shenandoah (2) J: Kerrin Mcevoy 57kg 3342xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation second of 11 at this track in the G1 Queen Turf April 11 over 1600m, 0.9 len behind Idle Flyer with 57kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign third in a small field at this track in the G2 Expressway February 14 over 1200m, 1.3 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $6. Look for her closing strongly. | |||
| 13. Barnavara (13) J: Sam Clipperton 57kg 11x4xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign 4th of 7 in the G2 Neville Sellwood Stakes at Rosehill on March 28 over 2000m, slow going 3.5 len behind Wootton Verni with 57kg at $1.70. When resuming last campaign 3rd of 7 in the G3 Snow Fairy (Dance Design) Stakes at Curragh on August 30 over 1810m, 3.5 len behind Red Letter with 58.5kg at $5.50. Trialled on July 31 at Randwick over 1000m and finished fourth. Looking to others. | |||
| 14. Sheza Alibi (1) J: Luke Nolen 56.5kg x111xT: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation by posting a big 4.5 len win at this track carrying 49kg in the G1 Doncaster April 4 over 1600m slow track defeating Autumn Boy at $1.90. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 2.25 len Caulfield G2 Armanasco February 21 over 1400m defeating Salty Pearl with 58.5kg at $1.50. Exciting mare who kicks off in a strong Winx, will need to be good from the rails draw. | |||
2026 Winx Stakes Big Bets Tracker
Want to know where the big money’s landing on the season’s opening Group 1? Our Winx Stakes Big Bets Tracker has you covered, highlighting exactly which runners punters are coming for to win.
Early money is clearly centred on the two headline mares — Sheza Alibi and Autumn Glow — with multis and fixed‑odds plays suggesting punters expect them to control the race. The strong place bet on Fangirl shows interest in a blowout podium chance, while Midnight Dynamite is being used as a value leg in multis.
Whether the favourite lands the cash or one of the value runners crashes the party, you can track every notable wager and market shift right here in our Neds Big Bets hub!
Winx Stakes FAQs
The Winx Stakes field is determined by Racing NSW based on weight‑for‑age conditions, recent Group form, stable nominations and ballot order, with final acceptances released mid‑week before raceday.
The race acts as a launching pad for elite horses resuming ahead of major spring targets like the Epsom, King Charles III Stakes and Cox Plate, giving punters an early read on who’s come back in top order.
Randwick’s late‑August weather often produces Good–Soft conditions, meaning first‑up fitness, trial form and adaptability to shifting ground are crucial factors.
Most runners arrive off two trials or jump‑outs, with top stables targeting the race as a controlled first‑up hit‑out before stretching to mile and 2000m assignments deeper into the spring.
Yes — the race’s small, high‑quality fields and predictable tempo often make it ideal for Same Race Multis, especially around proven fresh performers and strong closers.
While rare, internationals occasionally appear if already based in Australia or transferred for spring campaigns, though the race is traditionally dominated by local WFA stars.
The race usually features a genuine early tempo set by on‑pace runners, creating a platform for elite stalkers and late swoopers to unleash strong closing sectionals.
With Randwick’s long run‑in, wide barriers are less punishing than in other WFA races, but inside gates can still favour tactical mares and on‑pace runners looking for economical early positions.