Host Matt Stewart is joined by racing experts Adam McGrath & Chris Roots to talk all things Horse Racing this Spring Carnival, from the hottest talking points to their Best Bets and expert tips for every Feature Race. Tune in every week to get your weekly dose of ‘Bolting In’.
Matty Stewart is back alongside Adam McGrath and Chris Roots as the Spring Carnival officially gets underway with one of the most anticipated meetings of the year, Winx Stakes Day at Royal Randwick. The first Group 1 of the new racing season has attracted a quality field and provides the first genuine look at many of the horses set to shape the major spring features, including the Cox Plate, King Charles III Stakes, Golden Eagle and Melbourne Cup carnival.
The boys dive straight into the feature event, where a fascinating clash has emerged between some of the most exciting horses in training. Much of the attention centres around Autumn Glow, who resumes as the horse to beat after an outstanding autumn campaign and has drawn ideally in barrier three. The Chris Waller-trained mare is regarded as one of the stars of the new season and shapes as a major spring player if she returns at her best.
Standing in her way is Sheza Alibi, whose winning streak has made her one of the most talked-about horses in the country. Drawn in barrier one, she arrives with enormous momentum and gives Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman a genuine Group 1 opportunity to kick-start the carnival. The boys discuss whether her rise through can continue against proven weight-for-age performers.
The conversation also turns to proven Group 1 mares Fangirl and Lady Shenandoah, both of whom bring elite-level credentials into the race. Fangirl has an outstanding record in the Winx Stakes and returns to a race that has played a pivotal role in her career, while Lady Shenandoah looks capable of taking another step forward this preparation. The team also assesses the chances of Aeliana, Ceolwulf, Lindermann and Gringotts, who all have ambitions beyond Saturday and are aiming to launch serious spring campaigns.
Adam, Chris and Matty also examine the broader spring landscape, including which stables appear best positioned to dominate the carnival. Chris Waller once again holds a powerful hand with a host of major contenders resuming at Randwick, while several interstate stables are preparing to unveil horses capable of making an impact in both Sydney and Melbourne throughout spring.
To finish the show, the boys lock in their Best Bets, value plays, early Spring Carnival horses to follow, and the runners they believe can emerge as genuine Group 1 stars over the next three months. If you’re having a bet on Winx Stakes Day or looking to get ahead of the biggest spring storylines before everyone else, Bolting In has everything you need for the official start of the 2026 Spring Carnival.