Chris Waller, boasting a vast collection of high-calibre three-year-olds, has made the decision to split his racing team between Melbourne and Sydney.
With Hidrix, Central Europe, and Striking Alibi representing the stable in The Rosebud at Rosehill on Saturday, Waller has dispatched Confederation south to compete in the Group 3 Vain Stakes over 1200 metres at Caulfield.
Confederation arrived in Melbourne last week and took part in a jump-out at Flemington last Friday, finishing at the rear of the five-horse field.
The son of Wootton Bassett raced twice in his initial campaign, chasing home stablemate Hidrix on debut in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill in January before finishing second-last behind Stretan Ruler in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at the same track three weeks later.
Racing NSW stewards issued a warning to Confederation following that run, a factor that partly influenced Waller’s decision to send the colt to Melbourne.
Confederation had one trial, finishing second at Rosehill last month, prior to relocating to the trainer’s Flemington establishment.
“He doesn’t like the Rosehill 1100 (metres),” Waller explained regarding the decision to send Confederation to Melbourne.
“He had a couple of runs out of the shute and he used to get a bit aggressive and run out to the left, and it cost him a couple of times.”
Waller commented that he was still gauging the potential of his new season three-year-olds, attempting to identify which members of his team had successfully progressed from their two-year-old season.
However, the trainer is confident that Confederation will make the required leap.
“We go by feel,” Waller said.
“He looks like he’s come back well, and Damian Lane rode him on Friday, and he was pretty happy with him.”
While Lane partnered Confederation in last week’s Flemington jump-out, he will be riding Hard Kick on Saturday.
Ben Melham is scheduled to ride Confederation on Saturday.
For those interested in Confederation’s chances, explore the racing odds at Australian betting sites.
