During Scone’s two-day carnival, Chris Waller will unleash a powerful array of runners, highlighted by his keen interest in the returning Sun God.
This five-year-old forms part of a potential 18-strong assault from the champion handler, starting his campaign in Saturday’s Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m).
The horse from Europe has three Australian wins from 14 goes, capped by a mile victory at Randwick in February that informed his stable’s strategy.
Sun God handled 2400m abroad, though Waller views him as more effective at sprint trips locally judging by his results.
“Sun God, I’m looking forward to him resuming,” Waller said.
“Last ‘prep’, we learned that a mile sees him out. It will be interesting to see how he runs fresh, and he has drawn well.”
Boasting a first-up win before, he has post two in the 16-horse field with four standbys.
Waller also saddles the progressive Captain Furai here, but Waterford prefers Friday’s Scone Cup (1600m) despite options in both.
“Captain Furai, he has a slightly tricky draw (barrier 10) but gee, he’s racing consistently,” Waller said.
“He needs luck from that draw, but he has trained on really well. He’ll be four weeks between runs so he’s nice and fresh.
“Waterford will most likely run in the Cup. That’s our preference.”
In opposition, Saturday’s Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) appeals more for Chica Mojito than the Cup, with barrier 12 versus 18.
Waller stresses the importance of luck in Saturday’s action, given the full gates across most of the 10 races.
“They’re big fields and it’s a good, fair track, but you need a bit of luck,” he said.
The Midway Handicap (1700m) is the outlier, with 15 runners from 16 slots.
Discover value in the betting markets for the race ahead of Sun God’s tilt at the Luskin Star Stakes.