Chris Waller has a long history of moulding late-developing juveniles into Group 1 performers, and Providence could be next in line.
The colt is still a maiden but has shown ability with a Randwick placing on debut and solid efforts in Brisbane’s Listed Phoenix (1500m) and Group 1 J J Atkins (1600m). Waller has used the winter carnival as a springboard for stars like The Autumn Sun, Zoustar and Press Statement, and sees similar qualities in Providence.
“He did really well in the J J Atkins. He drew wide and got back on a day that it was impossible to make up ground,” Waller said. “He overcame a few biases that day and showed us he has got the makings of a nice horse.”
Providence resumes in Saturday’s Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill, where he joins stablemates Sixties and Fermoy.
Waller hopes Providence can measure up to the Golden Rose (1400m), but also sees him as a Spring Champion Stakes type.