Chris Waller is preparing the favourite for this Saturday’s $5 million Golden Slipper, but his stablemates Via Sistina and Fangirl are also ready to make an impact in separate Group 1 events.
Cox Plate winner Via Sistina will run in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), while Fangirl heads to the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
Both horses will be competing in their third race of the campaign, with Via Sistina coming off a win over Fangirl in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), following a third-place finish behind her in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m).
Waller said, “They had a gallop morning (on Saturday) just to stretch their legs, their regular riders were aboard and said they’d come through their last starts really well and gone forward.”
He added that the different race distances suit the pair, with Via Sistina likely to be a strong favourite for the Ranvet Stakes, especially if Dubai Honour does not run.
Waller is also bringing back Buckaroo and Kovalica, who are first-up since the Melbourne Cup.
As for the Golden Slipper, Waller is pleased with Wodeton’s condition and hopes for a middle barrier draw, saying, “Midfield, a pair further back one off the fence would be perfect.”