Winx's sister set for debut

Excitement builds as City Of Lights, the younger sister of legendary racehorse Winx, prepares to make her highly anticipated debut at Cranbourne on Friday night. The three-year-old filly, sired by the late champion Japanese stallion Deep Impact and out of Winx’s dam Vegas Showgirl, will contest the second event of the evening over 1300m.

Trained by the accomplished team of Anthony and Sam Freedman, City Of Lights has shown promise during her preparation with four jumpouts under her belt. In her most recent jumpout at Flemington last week, she finished strongly, securing a second-place finish. Jockey Ben Allen has been entrusted with the ride aboard City Of Lights, who has drawn the outside barrier for her debut.

While City Of Lights carries the weight of expectation as Winx’s sibling, it is worth noting that Winx’s exceptional record of 37 wins from 43 career starts, including 25 Group 1 victories and over $26 million in prize money, sets a high standard. Among her siblings who have ventured onto the racetrack, her brother El Divino impressed with two victories, notably winning the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes in 2016. Meanwhile, her sister Covent Garden secured a victory on the Pakenham Synthetic track.

Vegas Showgirl, the dam of City Of Lights, also has a two-year-old filly named Time Of My Life by I Am Invincible, who is yet to debut and is trained by Peter Moody. Additionally, there is a yearling filly named Taleitaki, sired by Pride Of Dubai.

City Of Lights’ impending debut has garnered attention from bookmakers, with Ladbrokes installing her as the favorite for the race at odds of $2.80.