Trainer Chris Waller is anticipating God’s Window to carry the stable’s hopes in the W J McKell Cup at Rosehill, with Rotagilla likely to compete in Queensland.
Rotagilla remains in Brisbane following a third-place finish at Eagle Farm earlier this month. Waller’s assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, confirmed that Rotagilla is slated to race in the Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at the same track on Saturday, rather than contesting a middle-distance event at Rosehill.
“He is already up there anyway, and 2000 just sees him out because he wants to get a little bit keen, so he will stay over the mile up there instead,” Duckworth stated.
“He is a good little horse. He just needs speed on, and Tim (Clark) gets on well with him. That’s another factor for keeping him up there.”
With Rotagilla heading to Brisbane, God’s Window will be the sole representative for the stable in the Listed W J McKell Cup (2000m), which is the feature race at Rosehill.
Waller secured this winter feature with Skyman in 2022. God’s Window is in good form, having won over a mile at Randwick two starts prior and finishing second to Formal Display over the same distance and course on June 6.
In his second Australian campaign, God’s Window was highly regarded enough overseas to participate in the 2024 Epsom Derby. Although he hasn’t won beyond 1709m, he has achieved placings up to 2414m.
“Both runs back over a mile have been really good,” Duckworth commented.
“He has drawn slightly sticky, but he is relaxing better than he ever has, which has been a bit of a concern for him.
“He had a tick over trial last week. He’s right in it.”
Punters seem to agree, as God’s Window is the $3.70 favourite. Zaphod, a placegetter in the Gosford and Lord Mayors Cup, is priced at $5, while Rotagilla is a $8.50 chance in Brisbane.
For those looking to back the favourite, explore the available Australian betting sites for the best odds on God’s Window in the W J McKell Cup.