Chris Waller is not anticipating a victory over the prominent fillies Tempted and Apocalyptic, but he looks forward to solid showings from Karinska and Panova in the Group One Surround Stakes at Randwick.
Listed at double-figure prices for the three-year-old highlight on Saturday, Waller would be satisfied seeing the duo powering home with an eye on the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) in their subsequent outing.
Group 1 placed at a mile during spring, Karinska ended a narrow fifth to her Surround Stakes opponent Savvy Hallie in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and remains flying under the radar as a $34 shot for the feature.
“She is under-rated. That’s not saying she can beat those good horses, it’s a very good edition,” Waller said.
“We’re not expecting too much, but if she’s running top five than we’re on track to finding our own way somewhere.”
Waller has verified that the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 14 – a race where he has triumphed eight times over the past 11 years, all featuring fillies – represents her short-term objective.
Panova at $17 shares that immediate aim, facing top-level rivals for the initial time after capping her spring with back-to-back Group 3 triumphs in the Reginald Allen (1400m) and Carbine Club Stakes (1600m).
Waller is enthusiastic regarding her potential and has not discounted a foray against older mares in the Coolmore Classic (1500m).
“She will go to the Phar Lap and the Vinery. If she was really impressive in the Phar Lap, she could go to the Coolmore,” he said.
“She is a really good horse. She was impressive in those two wins. She came from well back in each of them.”
“She is still carrying a bit of weight, but Saturday is a great starting point.”
James Mcdonald rode Panova in her latest two trials and has committed to the emerging filly for Saturday’s assignment.
Curiously, Waller’s record in the Surround Stakes falls short of his typical dominance, with victories limited to Hinged in 2022 and Lady Shenandoah last year.
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