Randwick Turf Talk for 2024 Winx Stakes Day: ‘Got a big race in him this Spring’

Racenet’s Mitch Cohen thinks a highly-rated import can return with a bang at Randwick on Saturday while Shayne O’Cass is keen to bet up in the Highway Handicap.

Racenet and The Daily Telegraph’s Mitch Cohen and Shayne O’Cass debate the big chances on 2024 Winx Stakes Day at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Mitch Cohen (left) and Shayne O'Cass.

• Clinton Payne’s Winx Stakes tips and runner-by-runner analysis

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Shayno: Hello Mitchy. How good is the Winx Stakes? Maybe even the great mare herself would have to dig deep to beat a few of these! I like the look of Semana here with all the Brisbane form behind her and a brilliant trial. Dylan Gibbons and barrier five – tick, tick.

Mitch: Hello Shayno. I talked to Ciaron Maher during the week and he is banking on that residual fitness for Semana. My thoughts? You may think it’s the easy option but I am happy to be with Fangirl to go back-to-back. Tipping it will be the first of a couple of Group 1s this spring.

• ‘You had better come and say goodbye’: Waller reveals Winx’s near-death experience

Shayno: I could go six ways in the Silver Shadow and still come up short. I can’t believe I have Manaal for fourth but I just love what Ameena has done so far with the promise of being a better three-year-old.

Mitch: Value isn’t something I’ve found in abundance this week. I am with Manaal. She has form around all the right horses as a two-year-old and is a Group 1 winner to boot. If her recent trial was anything to go by, she’s come back super.

1⃣ Manaal
2⃣ Southport Tycoon
3⃣ Kimochi@MFreedmanRacing's G1 Inglis Sires' winner prevails in a 900m trial at Warwick Farm that also featured I Am Me, Sunshine In Paris and Dashing Legend. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/hBumbOB0jA

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 11, 2024

• Tropical Squall ready for Waller armada in Winx Stakes

Shayno: Show County is honoured with a fantastic race tomorrow. They should get going in this race so I am with a swooper of sorts in the shape of Airman. I reckon there is a big – nay, giant – race in him.

Mitch: I’ve got him as second pick. Expecting we will see just how good Our Kobison is this weekend. Angela Davies has been patiently taking him through his grades but he’s always looked like a stakes quality galloper. He’s return was excellent too.

Our Kobison returns with a bang at Randwick! 💥@mcacajamez@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/wLi1opP6Cw

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 10, 2024

• ‘Absolute machine’: Portelli bullish on stable stars

Shayno: I know, because we haven’t stopped talking about it all week, that you are keen as they come to see Danny Williams’ grey Kreon back in action. Bet you he is not $51 to win the Kosciuszko after this race.

Mitch: You know I’ve been waiting for Kreon to reappear at the races for the best part of six months, Shayno. Unfortunately we might have to pay the J-Mac tax if he gets in the field on Saturday.

WINNER!🏆

Fantastic debut by a 3YO colt held in high regard by his trainer.🤩

The Japanese bred 🇯🇵 KREON has raw talent and was helped through patches of greenness by @NickHeywood8 🏇on the tight @gundagairaces track.

Country Maiden ticked off and a bright future awaiting ✅🙌 pic.twitter.com/oNz0GEEMRz

— Danny Williams (@GoulburnTrainer) November 17, 2023

• J-Mac tax laid bare: Monster betting figures on star jockey

Shayno: Kreon’s my best but next best is Commemorative. Can’t you see this granddaughter of Mnemosyne flying home over the top?

Mitch: Eliyass showed me more than enough in his only Australian start to suggest he’s got a big race in him this spring. Even money is better than bank interest.

Originally published as Randwick Turf Talk for 2024 Winx Stakes Day: ‘Got a big race in him this Spring’