Lindermann has made a triumphant return to his best form, while Fangirl may have completed her racing career after the Group 2 $300,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) was finally contested at Royal Randwick today.
A severe storm, featuring heavy rain and strong winds, swept across Randwick shortly after the preceding Concorde Stakes, resulting in a 20-minute delay to the Chelmsford Stakes.
The elements had calmed by the time the weight-for-age mile race commenced, and Lindermann, under the expert guidance of Nash Rawiller, led all the way, much like his victory in the same race last year.
The significant difference this year was Lindermann’s more commanding win, crossing the line nearly two lengths ahead.
Chris Waller, the esteemed trainer who celebrated his ninth Chelmsford Stakes victory with Lindermann, was effusive in his praise for the horse and rider.
“That was Lindermann at his best, Nash at his best,” Waller said.
“He came through that first-up run which had a frantic pace and bounced back today.
“He has his confidence back now.”
Lindermann, the $2.70 favourite, accelerated clear into the straight and raced away to win by almost two lengths from the fast-finishing Ceolwulf ($3.60), with Fangirl ($3.30) a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.
Both Ceolwulf and Fangirl surpassed the $11 million prizemoney threshold with their placings in the Chelmsford Stakes, but the responses from the connections of each horse were poles apart.
Trainer Joe Pride and jockey Chad Schofield were thrilled with Ceolwulf’s potent finishing second, which keeps the horse on track for a potential hat-trick in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
“He was huge,” Schofield declared about Ceolwulf. “We knew the race lacked pressure and we knew Lindermann would get the lead he got.
“We just didn’t want to go reinventing the wheel with him second up by putting him up on speed. I took him back from a bad draw and he ripped home late. I’m very happy.”
Fangirl claimed the King Charles III Stakes in 2023, but Waller conceded the mare is not performing at her peak capabilities.
“Fangirl was brave again but I would say that will be her last run,” Waller commented. “I will have a talk with the Ingham family on Monday.
“She was gallant but nowhere near her best. She would have got them a year ago, even a few months ago.
“She has been an awesome horse for Sydney to follow but I would say she has run her last race. She has been so good for so long.”
Lindermann has also been a consistent performer for the Waller stable, and at seven years old, this gelding is competing at the highest level.
“We were going hard enough early and you don’t have to be in a hurry to get over with this horse,” said Rawiller after securing his fifth Chelmsford Stakes victory.
“Once Lindermann got into that rhythm, he is tough to run down. He is a beauty.
“I trialled him and was so happy with him then his first-up he was too bad to be true but to Hugh Bowwan’s credit, he didn’t knock the horse around when he was beaten and that was why he was able to bounce back today.
“The last 12 months have been his best, he is going so well. There is some talk he might go to the Group 1 Underwood Stakes next – he would be hard to beat around Caulfield.”
Waller admitted he was uncertain about Lindermann’s next target, though he expressed reservations about a possible confrontation with stablemate, the champion mare Autumn Glow, in the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.
“I’m not sure where to go next with Lindermann, we will have a look at things,” Waller stated.
“Then the 7 Stakes is going to be tricky in two weeks time but we will weigh everything up and see what is best for him.”
Fancy a punt on the next big race? Explore the best racing betting markets available.