Trainer Chris Waller will make a determination later this week regarding whether Aeliana competes against her high-profile stablemate Autumn Glow in the 7 Stakes at Randwick, or is instead sent to Melbourne for a Group 1 engagement at Caulfield.
The mare is slated to be an acceptor for both the 7 Stakes (1600m) and the Underwood Stakes (1800m). Waller appears inclined to keep her racing locally, with the final decision dependent on the barrier draw.
“We’re going to accept for the Underwood and the 7 Stakes, and then make a decision,” Waller stated.
“I’m happy to give her one more run at home to make sure everything is perfect and then probably join up in Melbourne for the Turnbull (Stakes).”
“If she was drawing an even gate in both places, she will probably stay in Sydney. If she draws better in Melbourne in the Underwood, she’ll go to the Underwood.”
The mare, a multiple Group 1 victor, was withdrawn from the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday. Instead, she completed a 1000m solo gallop between races at Rosehill.
With jockey Zac Lloyd in the saddle, Aeliana completed the distance in 1:09.49. Her final 600m was clocked at 36.53s, with her overall time nearly five seconds slower than that of Autumn Glow, who also worked over the same distance.
Waller expressed satisfaction with the performance of both mares, noting that Autumn Glow carried more condition and required a stronger gallop.
“She’s very forward, Aeliana. If she’s going to run over a mile, I still want to keep her sharp, so I didn’t want her to do too much. Autumn Glow does well between runs,” he explained.
Lindermann, the recent winner of the Chelmsford Stakes, is also expected to be nominated for races in both Sydney and Melbourne. Similar to Aeliana, the barrier draw is likely to be the deciding factor for his destination.
“Lindermann will be in a similar boat to Aeliana. He’ll be nominated for the Underwood and here,” Waller commented.
“It would be exciting to run him in a Group One race, but the 7 Stakes is still worth a lot of money, and he’s a gelding.”
“He’s still building himself up. He had a soft mile last start, he’s ready for a strong mile, so it’s just weighing it up.”
The Randwick fixture will also host The Shorts (1100m), a race featuring several key Everest hopefuls. Among them is the Waller-trained Joliestar, making her first appearance since securing a placing at Royal Ascot in June. A decision on which race Aeliana contests is expected by week’s end, with the barrier draw poised to play a crucial role. You can explore the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.
