Will Winx be able to hold off Solicit in the Apollo Stakes?
PUNTERS have jumped on the returning Winx ($1.50 at Sportsbet.com.au) to make a strong return in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick this Saturday, but there could be a real danger in the field.
The Gerald Ryan-trained mare Solicit will be looking for group 2 glory of its own in the 1400m race, but Ryan is worried about its poor form around the right-handed track.
“I just want to see her run a nice race at Randwick, because her two runs there have been terrible,” Ryan said.
“There might have been circumstances to that, but she’s been beaten by a combined total of 69 lengths.”
Punters which are prepared to risk Winx and take Solicit at $6 will be hoping it can turn around its poor form at Randwick. A run for second behind Our Boy Malachi last time out was encouraging and Ryan believes having a run under its belt will help against a field containing nine having their first start back from a spell.
“I thought her first-up run was terrific, she’s improved off it and I really liked the last part of her work in that race,” Ryan said.
“She’s improved and is getting back towards her right journey on Saturday.”
Solicit opened at $5.50, but has drifted out slightly to $6 on the back of strong support for Winx.
Over this distance, if Solicit can find a soft lead, it could be tough for the champion four-year-old to make up enough ground to overhaul Solicit.
2016 Apollo Stakes updated market:
1. Who Shot Thebarman – $81
2. Magic Hurricane – $26
3. Grand Marshal – $151
4. Dibayani – $9
5. Hauraki – $34
6. Leebaz – $17
7. Centre Pivot – $17
8. Winx – $1.50
9. Gust Of Wind – $67 at CrownBet.com.au
10. Solicit – $6
11. Bohemian Lily – $41
On class alone Winx should take this race out, but punters need to decide whether the $1.50 is good enough value. There will be plenty of multi-bets running through Winx and that could take its price down to unbackable odds.
The value is with Solicit and the $1.50 for the place looks on par with taking Winx for the win. Upset chances include Centre Pivot, which is in good form and is the fittest runner of the field.