Last weekend, we had Group racing from both Caulfield and Randwick, including the first Group 1 of the 2023/24 racing season as the Winx Stakes was run and won. In this week’s edition of the Follow Files, we have found three runners that appear ready to go to the next level this spring.
Caulfield
Rail position: +9m entire circuit
Race 8: Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) | Time: 1:03.14
- Horse to follow: I Am Unstoppable (3rd)
The Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans-trained I Am Unstoppable returned to the racetrack in the Group 3 Vain Stakes with a slashing run down the outside. This son of I Am Invincible put his unbeaten record on the line, and even though he finished third, his run couldn’t have been more impressive. In his first attempt at Group level, the three-year-old colt recorded the fastest last 600m, 400m and 200m sectionals of the entire meeting.
When to bet: Kennewell confirmed post-race that the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes is the target for this preparation, but the stable would consider the Poseidon Stakes before pushing onto the Danehill Stakes at Flemington. We will be backing him wherever he goes, and $13 in Coolmore futures markets is very appealing.
Race 9: Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:21.71
- Horse to follow: Aegon (3rd)
Although Mr Brightside was a dominant winner of the P.B. Lawrence Stakes last Saturday, Aegon was one of the better runs in defeat at Caulfield. Michael Dee had to take his medicine from barrier 17, opting to settle Aegon at the back of the field. As the field rounded the home turn and Mr Brightside booted clear, it was evident that no-one was going to catch him. The Andrew Forsman-trained galloper was the best of the swoopers and was the only runner to break 23 seconds (22.91) in the final 400m of the race.
When to bet: After such a strong performance first-up, Aegon appears ready to show his best as he targets a possible Cox Plate later in the spring. The Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley over 1600m on September 9 could be the next start for this gelding on his way to the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. If the Feehan is slightly weaker than the P.B. Lawrence, Aegon will be a very good bet.
Randwick
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 8: Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:24.11
- Horse to follow: Princess Grace (2nd)
Chris Waller stablemates Princess Grace and Fangirl fought out a great edition of the Winx Stakes, with the latter just getting the better of the former by a head on the winning post. Princess Grace hadn’t competed at Group 1 level since coming over to Australia earlier this year, so finishing second behind one of the best horses in Australia shows how well she has returned this preparation.
When to bet: Waller has nominated Princess Grace for the Cox Plate; however, she will need to win at least one Group 1 along the way, and she may have missed the boat by not claiming the Winx Stakes. We will be following this mare throughout the spring when she takes on the feature fillies-and-mares’ races in Sydney and Melbourne.
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