Group 1 Gurus: Who to back in the Winx Stakes & why?

By SENTrack & RSN

The first Group 1 of the 2026/2027 racing season is here and what a cracker it is.

The Winx Stakes which is run across 1400m at the Randwick Racecourse was won by Via Sistina in it's previous two editions (2025/2024) followed by Fangirl (2023), Anamoe (2022) and Mo’Unga (2021).

This year’s edition is headlined by clash between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi – arguably the two best horses in the country.

But who will come out on top between those two? Or will a runner outside of those mares pull off a shock victory?

Check out our tips and predictions for the Group 1 below!

Winner: Autumn Glow

Why: What a race we have to kick off Group 1 racing for the 2026/2027 racing season!

All the headlines are being taken by Autumn Glow vs Sheza Alibi and that is 100% fair. One of those star mares should win the race but I have the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Glow on top.

Ridden by the best jockey in Australia, James McDonald, the five-year-old bay will only need to carry an extra 0.5kg compared to Sheza Alibi. Also given the fact that the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained mare has drawn barrier 1, she could potentially be boxed in and not get out until it is too late.

The market clearly agrees with Autumn Glow as well, given that she has been pushed into a price of $1.75 with Sportsbet.

Looking outside of those two guns, Autumn Glow’s stablemate Beiwacht has a leading chance. The Group 1 All Aged Stakes winner from the autumn is a 1400m extraordinaire, according to Chris Waller, and if he gets too far away from the girls then he may pull off a shock upset.

Top 4: Autumn Glow / Beiwacht / Sheza Alibi / Autumn Boy

Connor Scanlon

Winner: Autumn Glow

Why: Let's not forget that Autumn Glow is a year older than Sheza Alibi, has Chris Waller and James McDonald and is rolling around in her home state.

Sheza Alibi is the spritely raider who, albeit, deserves the attention of Autumn Glow, but will not be claiming this race without favours going her way. Barrier one for Peter Moody's mare is less than ideal - especially when you take into account Autumn Glow will be gunning out of barrier three.

Will JMac look to roll forward or squeeze up and keep Sheza Alibi in a cage until his mare is read to pounce?

Chris Waller always has his stable ready to fire on this day and Autumn Boy is my pick of the rest. Finishing second to Sheza Alibi twice has shown the class gap, but with favours in this race, we could see a career-best showing from him.

Idle Flyer beat home Lady Shenandoah last start to take out the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes and is a classy mare who will improve on her last prep.

Top 4: Autumn Glow / Autumn Boy / Sheza Alibi / Idle Flyer

Ethan Clark

Winner: Autumn Glow

Why: It’s probably becoming a bit repetitive but Autumn Glow should win this salivating equine speed contest.

She’s only been beaten once in 12 starts which was at 2000m in the star-studded Group 1 Queen Elizabeth. 4/4 first-up, 6/7 at Randwick and 2/2 at 1400m.

Sheza Alibi is a clear and present danger. She has the turn of foot to knock off AG but Peter Moody says she’s not fully wound up, so we’ll believe him.

Given the above are short, let’s look at the exotics - Beiwacht must be respected at this distance, while Aeliana loves the track and trip.

Top 4: Autumn Glow / Sheza Alibi / Beiwacht / Aeliana

Andrew Slevison

Winner: Sheza Alibi

Why: I know that the weight was not there for the Doncaster Mile win but it was truly impressive. And when a run is that impressive you can trust it. Autumn Glow maps incredibly here, but I just want to trust Sheza Alibi.

Top 4: Sheza Alibi / Autumn Glow / Gringotts / Beiwacht

Jasper Cormick