Sydney’s changeable conditions keep everyone on their toes, yet most of Chris Waller’s top gallopers remain firmly on course for the opening Group 1 card of the carnival.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) headlines two Group 1 events on Saturday’s card, where Waller boasts seven of the nine acceptors, giving him a dominant grip on proceedings.
Although not among the autumn majors, Waller regards the mile showdown as a vital lead-up contest, as demonstrated by recent victors like Via Sistina, the stakes’ inspiration Verry Elleegant, and Winx.
Leading his team this season is hot favourite Autumn Glow, joined by Australian Derby victor Aeliana, veteran Lindermann, and a handful of stayers returning to action.
“It’s a fork in the road. Some stick around the 1500-metre and mile path, some will go up in distance, and some might go to easier races,” Waller said.
“Those previous winners, their class told. Verry Elleegant was a little bit different to the other two because she was more dominant over further, but she had the class to win over a mile.
“Autumn Glow fits those three horses.”
Waller is poised to play a major role in the Skyline Stakes (1200m) too, courtesy of undefeated colt Fireball and newcomer Central Europe.
The latter sits fifth in Golden Slipper betting at $18, thanks to impressive trial efforts, and although his sire Frankel typically sires middle-distance runners and stayers, Waller points to prior success with Hungry Heart.
He prepared the Frankel filly to claim the Sweet Embrace Stakes on the same weekend in 2020, before she placed fifth in the year’s Golden Slipper.
“We have respected Frankel since then, and he was a very good horse himself, a fast horse,” Waller said.
“So I’m not totally surprised.
“This horse hasn’t been pushed yet. He has got there himself. He is having his first start in a Group race so it’s straight to the NRL first time. They have to be very good, and he is. It’s just whether he’s ready for it.”
Central Europe jumps from gate seven, whereas Fireball faces a tough draw in barrier 12, but Waller confirms the Inglis Millennium winner will press on with the bigger targets ahead.
“We’re keen to go three weeks into the Slipper,” he said.
“We just need to get the first half right and make sure he is finishing off so we’re not scratching our head going into the Slipper. That will have some bearing on how we ride him Saturday.”
The Randwick surface rated a soft 7 on Friday morning, with showers forecast to ease later.
Explore competitive racing betting markets for the Verry Elleegant Stakes and get set for an exciting showdown.
