Green Spaces eyes spring targets after Winx Stakes start

Green Spaces, a recent Derby winner, faces a stern test against rivals like Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes, but the event is viewed as a crucial launching pad for his spring campaign.

This Group 1 race signifies the four-year-old's debut in open company, a significant step up from his three-year-old form, according to jockey Rachel King.

"You never know how these three-year-olds are going to come back into their four-year-old year, but he has definitely grown. He's taller again, and he's filled out again," King remarked. "He's got that cool attitude as well. He's a proper dude, so I'm looking forward to seeing where he's at. Obviously, it's way short of his best distance-wise, but it will be a good starting point to kick him off and see where he's at."

The gelding, who triumphed in the Newcastle Spring Stakes (1600m) last year, proved his class against his age cohort in the autumn, particularly over middle distances and further.

He secured second place behind Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before clinching a decisive victory in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) prior to a spell.

While Green Spaces showed a liking for longer trips at three, King believes he possesses versatility.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he's more like a 2000 metre horse, and I can see him being competitive at a mile to 2000," she commented. "He's not a slog. He's got some gears about him, and he did win a Newcastle Stakes over a mile, so he has got a bit of speed there. He's also a very relaxed customer, so it gives us options."

Green Spaces will jump from the widest barrier, 14, in Saturday's Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. The race is headlined by top mares Autumn Glow (gate three) and Aeliana (gate 11), along with Sheza Alibi from the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman stable, who has drawn barrier one.

Connections are not expecting a dominant performance from Green Spaces this weekend, but they are hopeful he will find the line strongly.

"We'll be happy to let him go to sleep and just hit the line, similar to how I trialled him," King advised. "First trial he was a little bit fresh and wanted to be there. Second trial he came out, put his head down, and went to sleep like he does. He built up nicely, and his best furlong was after the post. First-up would be something similar."

Discover the latest betting sites and markets for the Winx Stakes and other upcoming races.