Race-fit Robusto ready for G1 showdown in the 2025 Winx Stakes

Fitness may be Robusto’s secret weapon in Saturday’s Winx Stakes, with the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding tackling a star-studded field at Randwick.

While the likes of Via Sistina, Fangirl and Ceolwulf resume fresh, Robusto comes into the race with a solid winter campaign under his belt, including victory in the Winter Challenge (1500m) and a runner-up finish in the Winter Stakes (1400m). He also claimed the prestigious The Ingham (1600m) last December.

Jockey Josh Parr believes Robusto’s race fitness could offset the class gap. “He obviously doesn’t have the status of some of his opposition but in a race where fitness is going to be very important, that brings him into it,” Parr said. “If it becomes the survival of the fittest, you just never know. He might be it.”

Robusto missed a planned lead-up when the Missile Stakes (1200m) was washed out, but Parr praised Baker for keeping him at peak. “I was able to gallop him on Tuesday morning and his piece of work was really good. He hasn’t shown any signs of going off. He’s a happy, fit horse who is racing really well.”

Baker has upset history in the race, famously preparing Samadoubt to defeat some of Australia’s best in 2019 at long odds. This year, Robusto is joined by stablemates War Eternal and Sydney Cup winner Arapaho.

Parr will also partner Glad You Think So later in the day, a horse he says thrives on wet tracks and has the benefit of race fitness, including a placing in last year’s ATC Australian Derby.

Those looking to back Robusto or his rivals in the Winx Stakes can find betting markets through Australia’s trusted betting sites.