Randwick trainer Michael Freedman to test Winx’s sister Wings Of Desire in Edward Manifold Stakes

The term “Winx’s little sister” might not quite apply but Wings Of Desire’s value will skyrocket if she can win Saturday’s Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington.

It might be a touch unfair to describe Edward Manifold Stakes fancy Wings Of Desire as Winx’s little sister.

Wings Of Desire is a half-sister to the four-time Cox Plate winner by Pride Of Jenni’s sire Pride Of Dubai but Randwick trainer Michael Freedman said the three-year-old did not lack size.

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Freedman said Wings Of Desire’s size suggested 1600m around the spacious Flemington circuit would suit the winner of two of three starts.

“She’s a big girl,” Freedman said.

“I just thought I’d love to see her down that way of going on a big track like Flemington.”

Freedman also accepted with Wings Of Desire in the Group 1 Flight Stakes in Sydney but said barrier draws played a part in his decision to take the easier option.

Winx's little sister Wings Of Desire will chase valuable black type in Saturday's Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Bradley Photos

“She drew nine of nine up here and drew a softer gate down there so we thought we’d opt to have a crack down there,” Freedman said.

“It looked pretty even across the board going by their benchmark ratings.

“From the soft gate, Mick Dee can give her a cosy run and give her every chance.

“It will be good to see how she goes.”

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Wings Of Desire matched Winx’s deed of winning as a two-year-old when successful on debut at Hawkesbury in July.

Freedman said the promising galloper has steadily developed, pleasing the stable despite incurring her first defeat when second over 1400m on the Kensington track last month.

He said Wings Of Desire had benefited from the exposure against more experienced opposition.

A @newcastleraces_ double to @TommyBerry21 as Wings Of Desire wins! 🪽🪽@MFreedmanRacingpic.twitter.com/cl48z60wxQ

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 8, 2024

“It was great to be able to win a two-year-old race with her at the end of last season,” Freedman said.

“She’s backed it up with two good efforts, winning at Newcastle and she was probably a tad unlucky here on the Kenso last start where she’d had five weeks between runs against the older mares.

“I thought it was a very good run.”

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Wings Of Desire is a $4.80 chance in Ladbrokes’ market on the Edward Manifold Stakes, which forms part of the lead-up program towards the VRC Oaks.

However, Freedman said he had not decided Wings Of Desire’s immediate future after Saturday’s $300,000 assignment.

“I don’t think we’ve got any set plans at this stage,” Freedman said.

“It is only her first racing prep so we’re certainly not going to be in any rush with her.

“I always felt that whatever she could do now, she could probably improve on in the autumn as an older three-year-old.”

Originally published as Randwick trainer Michael Freedman to test Winx’s sister Wings Of Desire in Edward Manifold Stakes