The 2026 Winx Stakes field is locked in for Saturday’s Group 1 return at Randwick, and this year’s edition shapes as one of the strongest in recent memory as a host of established stars and rising talents kick off their spring campaigns.

Autumn Glow is odds-on to return to Group 1 winning form in the Winx Stakes. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The race named in honour of the champion mare continues to act as Sydney’s first major weight‑for‑age test, and the 1400m feature again brings together a deep mix of proven performers, emerging four‑year‑olds and a powerful Chris Waller contingent looking to extend the stable’s remarkable record in the event.

At the top of the market sits Autumn Glow ($1.80 through Ladbrokes at time of publish), the resuming five‑year‑old who has become one of Australia’s most reliable WFA performers.

The mare’s near‑perfect CV includes 11 straight wins to open her career and a trio of Group 1 victories, with her only defeat coming when stretched to 2000m in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Back to her preferred trip at Randwick — where she is unbeaten — and armed with two sharp trials, she again profiles as the horse to beat.

With James McDonald aboard and a predicted genuine tempo, she’s expected to settle midfield and unleash her trademark late surge.

Waller’s mares have dominated this race in recent years, with Fangirl and Via Sistina both adding their names to the honour roll, and Autumn Glow is well placed to continue that trend.

The biggest threat comes from outside the Waller camp in the form of Sheza Alibi, the Moody/Coleman‑trained star who produced one of the standout autumn campaigns of 2025. The Saxon Warrior mare strung together five consecutive wins, including a dominant Randwick Guineas triumph and a historic Doncaster Mile demolition that saw her become the first filly in nearly three decades to win the race.

She returns as a four‑year‑old with enormous upside, unbeaten at Randwick and proven fresh, and her clash with Autumn Glow shapes as one of the early highlights of the spring. Two strong jump‑outs have her ready to fire, and while the inside draw presents a tactical challenge, her closing power makes her a major player.

Beyond the headline pair, several runners present as genuine value chances. Beiwacht, Waller’s likely leader, resumes at $17 and brings a perfect 1400m record into the race. The All Aged Stakes winner has trialled well and maps to control the tempo under Nash Rawiller, giving him every chance to take catching.

Stablemate Lady Shenandoah also appeals at a price, returning at around $19 and boasting an excellent Randwick record. The Snitzel mare hasn’t won since her Group 1 Surround Stakes / Coolmore Classic double but continues to run honest races at the top level, including her Queen Of The Turf second last start.

Drawn ideally in gate two and partnered with Kerrin McEvoy, she looks set to produce her trademark strong finish.

Further down the board, Gringotts has emerged as an early market mover after a strong lead‑up trial win over Beiwacht. The Ciaron Maher‑trained gelding was runner‑up to Autumn Glow in the George Ryder and finished fourth behind Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster, suggesting he’s capable of producing a competitive fresh run.

Waller’s dual 7 Stakes winner Fangirl also resumes at $23 following a solid Brisbane winter campaign, while stablemate Aeliana, the Ranvet/Tancred double winner, returns at $26 and adds further depth to an already stacked field.

The 2026 Winx Stakes will be run as Randwick Race 9 at 4:30pm (AEST), setting the stage for a blockbuster spring opener featuring two of Australia’s most exciting mares and a host of proven Group 1 talents ready to launch their campaigns.

2026 Winx Stakes Field & Barrier Draw