Winx returns as $1.20 favourite, Jameka to snap first-up hoodoo
AFTER a relatively-quiet opening month of 2017, the Australian thoroughbred racing scene is about to explode.
The second weekend of February sees the return of Winx – the best turf horse in the world – and the first group one race of the year at Caulfield.
We took a look at the markets for the main races of the weekend, including all the breaking news for what is set to be the most important weekend of racing so far in 2017.
Winx not expected to be troubled in Apollo Stakes return
Any other race that boasts the likes of Hartnell, Global Glamour and Divine Prophet would be considered a strong race by anyone’s reckoning, but when Winx is involved, it’s a different story.
The wonder mare – which is chasing a 14th straight win on Saturday – is the $1.20 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au to take out the Group 2 Apollo Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
No other runner in the field is under single figures.
Winx is set to renew hostilities alongside Godolphin runner Hartnell ($11 at Sportsbet.com.au), but jockey Hugh Bowman believes the Waller-trained superstar should have its unbeaten run intact by the conclusion of the Randwick race card.
“I’m expecting her to win, as does everyone else, but it’s a horse race until it’s done. I will be treating it like I do every other time I ride in a race,” Bowman said.
“I have a lot confidence in her, but I won’t take anything for granted with her, I never have and I won’t be starting now.
“I expect her to come to Randwick in good shape and she is forward enough to run very well.”
Maher confident Jameka can step up in CF Orr Stakes
The Caulfield Cup winner may not be expected to break a poor run of first up form at Sportsbet.com.au given its $17 quote, but trainer Ciaron Maher believes Jameka has the ability to win the first group one race of the calendar year in Australia.
Jameka has never won first or second up in its career, but Maher said the horse looks to be in the right shape to break the poor run of form at its home track of Caulfield on Saturday.
“She worked super, she looked sharp and quickened up over the last 200m,” Maher said.
“She is always a great worker, but she does look sharper this time around.”
Malaguerra and Black Heart Bart are the joint $3.60 favourites at Sportsbet.com.au to take out the race, but Maher is adamant that the smaller field could play into his galloper’s hands.
“A smallish field would definitely help her on Saturday, but we’ll just wait and see how it unfolds, either way I’m really happy with how she’s going in,”
Omei Sword nominated but no certain starter in Light Fingers Stakes
Omei Sword may be the $2.60 favourite for the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick, but the Chris Waller runner is yet to be confirmed for Saturday’s $200,000 race.
The three-year-old filly was a scratching from last Saturday’s Eskimo Prince Stakes due to a slight muscle strain, and the Waller camp said a decision will be made on Wednesday as to whether the star galloper will run this weekend.
“Chris had planned to gallop her this morning but has decided to give her another 24 hours before galloping her,” the stable statement read.
“Therefore she will gallop tomorrow morning. Chris will then make a decision after that gallop as to whether he will accept with her or not.
“At this stage she has not missed a day’s work but has been restricted to slow work since last Thursday.”
If Omei Sword is unable to take its place Global Glamour – which is also nominated for the Group 2 Apollo Stakes – is certain to become the new favourite given it is the $4.60 second favourite at Sportsbet.com.au.