The 2026 Winx Stakes runs at Randwick on Saturday, August 22, 2026
The Winx Stakes is the official curtain-raiser to Sydney’s Group 1 spring racing season and one of the most anticipated betting races on the Australian racing calendar. Run over 1400 metres at Royal Randwick, the race attracts elite thoroughbreds beginning their spring campaigns and often provides an early guide to the season’s major Group 1 contenders.
The honour roll features champion gallopers including Winx, Via Sistina, Anamoe, Verry Elleegant, and Lonhro, which is a who’s who of Australian racing champions.
Betcha has you covered when it comes to Winx Stakes 2026 betting, race analysis, and latest tips for the big race.
2026 Winx Stakes Odds
Stay tuned for the latest Winx Stakes odds and betting markets, including all-in and final field betting.
Winx Stakes Tips
Our Winx Stakes tips will be published in the lead-up to the Group 1 feature, providing punters with expert analysis, betting predictions, and our best bets for one of the biggest races of the early spring carnival.
The Winx Stakes has been dominated by champion trainer Chris Waller, who has prepared seven of the past 10 winners, including the legendary Winx, whose three consecutive victories led to the race being renamed in her honour. The event continues to attract Australia’s best weight-for-age horses, making it a key form reference for the remainder of the spring.
Once the final field is confirmed on the Wednesday before the race, our horse racing experts will assess the latest Winx Stakes 2026 odds, so check out our Winx Stakes betting guide for the latest picks.
2026 Winx Stakes Tips
Our 2026 Winx Stakes tips will be published when the final field is released, but punters can bet into all-in markets, which are typically available earlier in the week when nominations are released.
There are some horses worth backing in all-in markets, including hot favourite Autumn Glow. The current odds-on favourite was a superstar of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, and the Waller-trained mare looks to rebound following her first defeat.
Chris Waller holds a strong hand in the 2026 Winx Stakes with unbeaten mare Autumn Glow and fellow Group 1 winner Aeliana, who sits on the second line of Winx Stakes betting with Betcha. Aeliana has already proven herself at the highest level and appeals as the value runner capable of upsetting the favourite.
Punters searching for value beyond the market leaders should also consider Angel Capital and Ninja, with the latter emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting rising stars. While Autumn Glow heads the market, the race looks highly competitive behind the favourite, creating plenty of opportunities to find value in the 2026 Winx Stakes odds and betting markets.
For more in-depth Winx Stakes tips, be sure to check out our race preview before the race, which is available at Betcha.
Winx Stakes Race Info
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Track: Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales
- Distance: 1400m
- Conditions: WTA (Weight-for-age)
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money: $1,000,000
- First Run: 1923 (Warwick Stakes)
- Current Champion: Via Sistina
2026 Winx Stakes Results
The Winx Stakes 2026 results and full finishing order will be published after the race is run on Saturday, August 22.
Winx Stakes Betting
The Winx Stakes has produced a healthy mix of short-priced favourites and roughie winners, making it one of the more intriguing betting races of the Sydney Spring Carnival. While recent editions have largely gone the way of the market leaders, history shows that Winx Stakes betting can provide punters with value results.
Before Winx claimed her first victory in 2016, the previous five winners all started at double-figure odds, including Royal Descent, Tiger Tees, and New Zealand visitor Veyron. The biggest upset in recent years came in 2019 when Samadoubt stunned punters at $31, proving that outsiders are more than capable of winning the Group 1 Winx Stakes.
Anamoe ($2.30) and Via Sistina ($2.25 and $1.60) justified strong market support with impressive victories. The trend reflects the quality of horses competing in the Winx Stakes, with many of Australia’s elite WFA performers resuming their spring campaigns in the race.
While an odds-on favourite is common in the Winx Stakes odds, there can still be value in the betting markets. Rather than taking short prices outright, punters may find better returns by including the favourite in quinella and trifecta bets, which can still pay good dividends with the fav involved.
2026 Winx Stakes Field
The 2026 Winx Stakes field is released on the Wednesday before the race. We will have the updated final field once released by Racing NSW.
Winx Stakes Barrier Statistics
Barrier draws have had less influence on the Winx Stakes than punters might expect, with winners mostly coming from middle and wider gates. Over the past 15 editions, barrier 8 has been the standout starting position, producing six winners.
The 1400m start at Randwick gives runners ample time to settle into position before the field reaches the first turn, reducing the disadvantage of drawing wide. Champion mare Winx demonstrated this perfectly, winning from barrier 8 in 2016 and 2017 before scoring from barrier 7 in 2018, showing that quality horses can overcome a wide draw.
Via Sistina won from the inside gate in 2025, while Fangirl jumped from barrier 10 when claiming victory in 2023. With genuine early speed often on display, runners drawn wider can secure cover and finish strongly over the closing stages.
Historically, middle barriers have delivered the best results in the race, while inside gates have been less productive. For punters looking at 2026 Winx Stakes odds, the barrier draw shouldn’t deter you from backing a runner.
Winx Stakes Form Guide
The Winx Stakes often marks the return of Australia’s leading weight-for-age horses, meaning many runners head into the race first-up rather than through a traditional lead-up campaign. The Sydney Autumn Carnival form is one of the best form guides.
Form in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, George Ryder Stakes, and Doncaster Mile are worth looking at when backing a runner in the Wix Stakes. It has been won by sprinters, and even stayers have a good record in the race.
However, rarely does a horse win without some form at the top level. Group 1 form is the best guide for betting on the Winx Stakes.
2026 Winx Stakes Form Guide
Our form analysts will have a 2026 Winx Stakes form guide available during the week of the race.
Recent Winx Stakes Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Via Sistina | Aeliana | Arapaho | 1:26.02 |
| 2024 | Via Sistina | Zougotcha | Fangirl | 1:23.15 |
| 2023 | Fangirl | Princess Grace | Zaaki | 1:24.1 |
| 2022 | Anamoe | Fangirl | Profondo | 1:24.2 |
| 2021 | Mo’unga | Verry Elleegant | She’s Ideel | 1:22.1 |
| 2020 | Verry Elleegant | Star of the Seas | Fierce Impact | 1:23.02 |
| 2019 | Samadoubt | Happy Clapper | Invincible Gem | 1:21.0 |
| 2018 | Winx | Invictus Prince | D’argento | 1:22.5 |
| 2017 | Winx | Foxplay | Ecuador | 1:21.8 |
| 2016 | Winx | Hartnell | Rebel Dane | 1:23.8 |
| 2015 | Royal Descent | Pornichet | Messene | 1:21.5 |
FAQ
How do I bet on the 2026 Winx Stakes?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Betcha. The first step is to create an account at Betcha. The process is quick and easy! Once you’ve created your account, you can make a deposit. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that’s right for you.
Which horse will win the 2026 Winx Stakes?
We have the latest Winx Stakes tips at Betcha. Check out our form guide for all the latest info, betting guide, and latest race tips.
When is the Winx Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Winx Stakes is set to run at Randwick on Saturday, August 22, as the first Group 1 race of the Sydney racing season.
What is the prize money for the Winx Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Winx Stakes prize money is set at $1,000,000.
Where is the Winx Stakes 2026?
The 2026 Winx Stakes will run at Randwick in Sydney, which is located Alison Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031.
What distance is the Winx Stakes run over?
The Winx Stakes is run over 1400 metres, which is ideally targeted at runners with both sprinting and middle-distance form.
How many horses run in the Winx Stakes?
Field sizes can vary slightly year‑to‑year, but the Winx Stakes typically attracts a compact field of around 8-12 runners.
Who won the 2025 Winx Stakes?
The 2025 Winx Stakes was won by Via Sistina for Chris Waller, with James McDonald in the saddle.