Derby heroine brings X factor to the 2025 Winx Stakes

Reigning champion Via Sistina may dominate betting for Saturday’s Winx Stakes (1400m), but trainer Chris Waller believes stablemate Aeliana is rapidly closing the gap and could emerge as her successor.

Via Sistina is rated a $2.30 chance to defend her crown at Randwick, while Aeliana, a $7.50 hope, makes her debut in open company after a breakout three-year-old season capped by her brilliant ATC Derby victory.

“She is the unknown,” Waller said of Aeliana.

“I think she will measure up being a multiple Group One winner. She has won a Derby, been placed behind the best horses in her three-year-old year when she hasn’t won.

“It is pretty exciting with her. She is probably next year’s queen if she keeps making the rapid rise like she has done.”

Aeliana’s versatility was highlighted last campaign, when she ran second to Broadsiding in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) before stretching her stamina to 2400m to crush the colts in the ATC Derby. Waller admits keeping her sharp against older opposition will be the challenge.

Both mares will also be tested by conditions. Randwick is forecast to be a heavy 10, ground Aeliana is yet to encounter, while Via Sistina’s only blemish in Australia was on a heavy track in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) last spring.

Waller said that performance should be taken in context.

“It’s hard to compare tracks but the one thing I don’t think she likes is a shifty track and that’s what she got in the Makybe Diva last year,” he said.

“It rained an hour before the race, it actually hailed, and it was a firm base and it was quite shifty. She didn’t like it.

“But when she is getting into the ground, which is where her English form comes in, I think she is pretty good.”

Via Sistina and Aeliana will be joined by Lindermann, Fangirl and imported mare Full Count Felicia in Waller’s strong Winx Stakes team.

Those wanting to back either Via Sistina or Aeliana in the Winx Stakes can explore odds and offers through Australia’s top betting sites.