Stablemates Fangirl and Lindermann served up a grandstand finish in the $1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick, with Chris Waller again taking centre stage after another nail-biter.
Fangirl ($2.05 fav) was awarded the verdict by a nose, repeating her win in the race 12 months ago. “I actually thought Lindermann had won,” Waller admitted, “but when it’s the stablemate fighting out the photo you’re not too concerned. Great result.”
He was full of praise for the runner-up. “Lindermann was rolling along at decent sectionals and I thought he’d be vulnerable late, but he kept fighting hard. Full credit to Fangirl and James (McDonald).”
The mare was bouncing back from a below-par effort in the Memsie Stakes. “We didn’t panic after her last run. She just got lost at Caulfield. She loves Randwick and she loves the mile,” Waller said.
Her next mission is the King Charles III Stakes (1600m). McDonald, who guided her to victory, added: “She’s so good, I love her dearly. She’s such a thrill to ride and she’s a line chaser.”
Nash Rawiller thought Lindermann lost nothing in defeat. “I thought Fangirl had us cold at the 100 metres but he kept coming. Very proud of him. He’s going to win a good one.”
Ceolwulf ($4) finished third, two lengths back, with Chad Schofield content: “We had the run I wanted. He was honest up the straight.”
Earlier on the card, Waller had already survived another tense photo finish when Birdman edged Adelaide River in the Kingston Town Stakes.