Green Spaces, the victor of the Derby, is not anticipated to challenge top contenders like Autumn Glow in the upcoming Winx Stakes. Nevertheless, the race serves as a vital stepping stone for his spring campaign.
This Group 1 event marks the entire’s first venture into open company, and jockey Rachel King views it as a critical transition from three-year-old racing.
“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 stated. “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.”
Last year, Green Spaces claimed victory in Newcastle’s Spring Stakes (1600m). He then competed against the best of his age group in the autumn, proving his mettle when the distances were extended to middle-distance and beyond.
He finished second to Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before securing a commanding win in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) prior to his spell.
Although Green Spaces demonstrated staying prowess at three, King does not believe he is limited in scope.
“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 explained. “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 has drawn the widest gate, barrier 14, for Saturday’s Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. The race features star mares Autumn Glow (barrier three) and Aeliana (barrier 11), alongside Sheza Alibi, trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, who drew gate one.
Despite the absence of high expectations for Green Spaces this weekend, King indicated that connections are keen to see him finishing strongly.
“We’ll be happy to let him go to sleep and just hit the line, similar to how I trialled him,” King commented. “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.”
For those interested in the racing action, exploring Australian betting sites can provide insights into the odds for this event.
