A win in the Winx Guineas would be the perfect finale to a breakout Queensland campaign for trainer Paul Shailer.

After Isti Star’s million-dollar victory in the Magic Millions National Classic (1200m) and a Group 3 placing with Deep Focus in the Rough Habit Plate (2000m), Mister Bianco’s emergence as a genuine Guineas threat has capped a rewarding winter.

“He came through the win at Ipswich really well… he is set to turn up in good shape,” Shailer said of Mister Bianco, who took out the T L Cooney Stakes on June 21.

Shailer admits the gelding hasn’t been easy to train.

“He is not a straightforward horse… maybe we forced the issue early days, but he seems to be coming of age.”

Mister Bianco is the $3 favourite for Saturday’s 1600m Group 3, ahead of Mille De Lune at $4.50.

With support from Winx’s part-owners, a win in her namesake race would carry added meaning.

Shailer, now based at the Gold Coast, credits better horse quality for the stable’s recent lift.

“I don’t care how good a trainer you are, you can’t get slow horses to run fast,” he said.

Star filly Isti Star will resume next week, targeting the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) and Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) in Melbourne.

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