Green Spaces, the Derby winner, is not expected to challenge top contenders like Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes, but the race is anticipated to serve as a crucial platform for his spring preparations.

This Group 1 race marks the gelding’s first appearance in open company, a significant transition from his three-year-old campaign, 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 shared. “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 horse, who secured the Newcastle Spring Stakes (1600m) last year, competed against the best of his age group in the autumn, demonstrating strong form when racing over middle distances and beyond.

He finished second to Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before claiming a dominant victory in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) prior to being turned out for a spell.

While Green Spaces demonstrated staying capabilities at three, King does not believe he is limited to just long distances.

“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 stated. “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 is scheduled to start from barrier 14, the outside alley, for Saturday’s Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. The race features prominent mares Autumn Glow (barrier three) and Aeliana (barrier 11), as well as Sheza Alibi, prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, who drew gate one.

Despite the lack of high expectations for Green Spaces this weekend, King mentioned that connections are hopeful he will find the line with purpose.

“We’ll be happy to let him go to sleep and just hit the line, similar to how I trialled him,” King remarked. “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 keen on the betting markets, exploring online bookmakers will offer comprehensive options for the Winx Stakes.