Group 1 Racing returns at Randwick on Saturday with the Winx Stakes.

Just five stables represented in the opening Group 1 of the season with the Waller Winx Stakes named after the great mare who won the inaugural edition of the race in 2018.

To name a race after a horse before they've retired and indeed when they're still to run in that race speaks more highly of Winx than whatever field could be assembled.

Waller is certainly paying homage to Winx, entering six of the twelve runners, five of them mares and it's last year's winner Fangirl who heads the betting.

That's not surprising given her 1400m form is excellent, as is her fresh form. Her last four fresh runs have all been over the Randwick 1400m, winning the Apollo in outstanding fashion in the Autumn, winning this last year, and netting a pair of seconds to Anamoe.

Her 122 Timeform rating in the Apollo fresh last campaign would very likely win this, but she is off an injury enforced layoff which is some query. She's the one to beat, but I'd at least $2.50, and closer to $3 to be getting involved.

The stablemate next in the market is Via Sistina who is interesting at her second Australian campaign. Her peak ratings are basically identical to Fangirl, but come over 1800-2000m. She's likely to be back in the field and I'd be surprised if she was wound up at all here.

I think there are a couple of tough, on pace mares that will give Fangirl and co something to catch.

Zougotcha looks the danger to Fangirl, not Via Sistina. She won all three starts last time in running Timeform ratings of 118, 116 and 118, winning the Millie Fox first up over Lady Laguna, who then won a Canterbury Stakes.

That's not good enough to match Fangirl at her best, but it'll give her a race. Fangirl did only run to 116 to win this race last year and Zougotcha is capable of running to that level here, getting map favours with a soft trail behind Tropical Squall.

Semana and Tropical Squall both have form around Zougotcha, behind her in both the Coolmore Classic and Queen Of The Turf. Semana might have a bit of a fitness edge coming back from Queensland while Tropical Squall has trialled very well and will lead for run. Both are each-way chances.

I'd be surprised if Riff Rocket was shown any intent from the carpark draw with a Caulfield Cup in mind and am happy to leave him, and Via Sistina alone. Fangirl the one to beat, but Zougotcha the bet. Semana and Tropical Squall can figure in exotics.

Winx Stakes 2024

Tip: #9 Zougotcha at $10/3.1

Numbers: 9, 6, 10, 11