Waller trio primed for Empire Rose challenge at Flemington

Champion trainer Chris Waller will launch a three-pronged attack in Saturday’s Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, the only Group 1 race for mares during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

Waller saddles up Fangirl, Lazzura and Leica Lucy — each considered a strong contender.

“I’m very happy with Fangirl after her work on Tuesday,” Waller said. “She would be the top seed just on class alone based on what she has done throughout her career.”

Fangirl won the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick before finishing sixth in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m).

Leica Lucy and Lazzura come through the Toorak Handicap (1600m), where they ran third and fifth respectively.

A one-eyed blinker has been added to Leica Lucy’s gear on the advice of Darren Beadman, while Waller expects Lazzura to improve back at Flemington after being ridden out of her comfort zone at Caulfield.

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