Trainer Chris Waller, possessing a substantial roster of promising three-year-olds, has opted to divide his equine talent between Melbourne and Sydney.
While Hidrix, Central Europe, and Striking Alibi will represent the stable in The Rosebud at Rosehill on Saturday, Waller has sent Confederation south to compete in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Confederation arrived in Melbourne last week and participated in a jump-out at Flemington last Friday, finishing at the rear of the five-horse field.
The son of Wootton Bassett had two starts in his initial campaign, finishing behind his stablemate Hidrix on debut in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill in January. He then secured second-to-last place behind Stretan Ruler in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at the same track three weeks later.
Racing NSW stewards issued a warning to Confederation after that performance, which was a significant factor in Waller’s decision to relocate the colt to Melbourne.
Confederation underwent one trial, finishing second at Rosehill last month, prior to his relocation to the trainer’s Flemington establishment.
“He doesn’t like the Rosehill 1100 (metres),” Waller commented on the choice to send Confederation to Melbourne.
“He had a couple of runs out of the shute and he used to get a bit aggressive and run out to the left, and it cost him a couple of times.”
Waller indicated he was still assessing his new season three-year-olds, evaluating which of his charges had successfully transitioned from their two-year-old season.
However, the trainer expressed confidence in Confederation’s ability to make the necessary progression.
“We go by feel,” Waller stated.
“He looks like he’s come back well, and Damian Lane rode him on Friday, and he was pretty happy with him.”
Although Lane partnered Confederation in last week’s Flemington jump-out, he will be riding Hard Kick on Saturday.
Ben Melham is scheduled to ride Confederation this Saturday.
For those keen to back Confederation in the Vain Stakes, check out the latest racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.