In Chris Waller’s words, Winx “lost her way” only once in her career. It was as a three-year-old filly in the autumn. She finished in the second half of the field in her first-up run in the Light Fingers, then was beaten even further when fifth in the Surround Stakes.

“That’s the difference with a three-year-old filly compared to a more mature horse,” Waller says. “Winx lost her way and found it after two unplaced runs as a three-year-old at the same stage and went to a whole new level after that. I haven’t lost thought of that.”

The words are pertinent as Espiona, the filly many want to christen the new star of the Australian turf, prepares to resume in the same races as an unbeaten star of just two starts.

She’s already a $1.50 for the group 2 Light Fingers at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Bookmakers only had to open an all-in market for the race on Monday and punters wanted to back her, however short the quote.

The hype seemingly knows no bounds after a demolition down the Flemington straight in Cup week, just a few weeks after walking to a Warwick Farm maiden win. Maybe it’s justified, maybe punters are just desperate for a new pin-up of the Australian turf.

“The more you set yourself up the harder the fall,” Waller said. “I’m just talking her up as she’s just had two races and is a little bit inexperienced. Yes, she looks to have the X-factor but there’s so many curves along the way.

“It’s exciting though. She looks like she’s got what it takes. Time will tell. She’ll run in a group 1 [Surround Stakes] second-up. And I can compare her to Winx, who at this exact same stage, she lost her way.”

What of Espiona’s best distance, given she’s already favourite for the Surround Stakes, Coolmore Classic, Doncaster Mile, Arrowfield Sprint and is near the top of betting for the Randwick Guineas, All Star Mile, Vinery Stud Stakes, Australian Oaks, The Everest and almost any race bookies can frame a market for?