Winx Stakes Day Review
Image Credit: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 22: James McDonald riding Autumn Glow win Race 9 Winx Stakes during Sydney Racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse on August 22, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
Winx Stakes Day lived up to its much-anticipated hype, headlined by Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi’s epic duel that has left the racing world desperate for a future rematch. The undercard races yielded a few shock results, alongside the emergence of an exciting up-and-coming sprinter.
Race 9: Winx Stakes (Group 1)
The epic showdown between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi exceeded expectations. The pair not only quinellaed the race, but pulled away from the rest of their competitors in a league of their own.
Sheza Alibi was the last to leave the barriers, but she quickly regathered herself, taking advantage of her inside draw to push up along the rail and settle a length behind Autumn Glow. James McDonald positioned Autumn Glow nicely in fourth place, one off the fence and five lengths off the pacemaker, Midnight Dynamite.
At the top of the straight, both Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi angled off the rail and into the clear, unleashing their runs simultaneously. Autumn Glow’s turn of foot, however, proved too sharp. The Chris Waller-trained mare cruised to the lead under hands and heels at the 200-metre mark before dashing away from the field. She was eased up over the concluding stages to secure an authoritative victory. Sheza Alibi lost no admirers, running on strongly through the line for a clear second.
Gringotts was the most impressive of the beaten brigade. While the two stars were on a different level, Gringotts stuck with Sheza Alibi for the majority of the straight before the mare eventually pulled clear. Ceolwulf ran an eye-catching sixth, suggesting he has returned in fine order following a nosebleed mishap last preparation. He will be one to watch as he steps up in distance over the course of his campaign.
Race 7: Silver Shadow Stakes (Group 2)
The three-year-old fillies did battle over 1200 metres, with the Tony Gollan-trained Pembrey winning in spectacular fashion. The Queensland filly dictated terms from the jump, and when asked for an effort by James McDonald in the home straight, she booted away from her rivals to record a commanding victory by over two lengths. Pembrey is certainly one to follow; she possesses sharp speed and looks capable of sweeping further sprinting contests.
Running a noticeable second was Bangkok Hottie, who swept around the ten-horse field from second-last. She will appreciate a rise in trip, with 1400 metres looking right up her alley. The John Sargent-trained Global Goal rounded out the placings in third; after settling last for the majority of the journey, she darted up the inside with a rapid late finish. She, too, will benefit from extra distance. Race favourite Cherry Bombshell finished a disappointing last, a post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities.
Race 6: Toy Show Quality (Group 3)
The Toy Show Quality produced a surprise result, as the rock-hard fitness of Prima Bella proved decisive against a field of first-up runners (with the exception of Gatwick). Highly fancied runners Apocalyptic and Savvy Hallie failed to make an impression despite strong market support. Savvy Hallie was found to be bilaterally lame (1/5) in her forelimbs upon post-race inspection. Meanwhile, Apocalyptic's rider, Tommy Berry, noted to stewards that his mount lost ground after making contact with Savvy Hallie out of the gates, electing to settle further back than planned due to the poor start and solid early tempo.
Taking nothing away from the winner, Prima Bella settled nicely on the outside of leader Gatwick. The Matthew Smith-trained mare was headed by Stardom at the 250-metre mark before showing tremendous grit to fight back and edge Stardom out in a thrilling finish.
Race 5: Premier’s Cup (Group 3)
Punters breathed a sigh of relief as Boniface finally delivered on the promise he had shown all preparation. Following his last start, where he was severely held up in traffic and unable to let down, Tommy Berry took luck out of the equation by settling in a clear second behind leader and second-favourite So You Are. Upon taking the lead 200 metres out, the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr galloper held a comfortable margin and never looked in danger of surrendering it.
So You Are ran a gallant second, while his popular stablemate, Thebudgiesmugla, put in a respectable effort for fourth in his first run since winning the Caloundra Cup on 4 July. The blackbook horse from the race is the Chris Waller-trained Matusalem. Having placed in his last two starts, he will be fourth-up next time out, he holds an outstanding record of two wins and a placing from four attempts.
