Chris Waller concedes little chance of besting classy fillies Tempted and Apocalyptic, though he foresees positive displays from Karinska and Panova at the Group One Surround Stakes at Randwick.
Both enter Saturday’s three-year-old spectacle at double-figure odds, and their trainer would welcome powerful finishes as stepping stones to the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) thereafter.
Spring Group 1 mile runner-up Karinska chased home for fifth against Saturday foe Savvy Hallie in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), staying off the punters’ scopes at $34 for the Surround Stakes.
“She is under-rated. That’s not saying she can beat those good horses, it’s a very good edition,” Waller said.
“We’re not expecting too much, but if she’s running top five than we’re on track to finding our own way somewhere.”
The Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill March 14 has been earmarked by Waller as her next engagement, a test he’s aced eight times in 11 years solely with fillies.
That fixture also beckons for $17 elect Panova, encountering Group 1 opposition anew post-spring Group 3 conquests in the Reginald Allen (1400m) and Carbine Club Stakes (1600m).
Her connections brim with excitement over her trajectory, with no doors shut on an older mares raid in the Coolmore Classic (1500m).
“She will go to the Phar Lap and the Vinery. If she was really impressive in the Phar Lap, she could go to the Coolmore,” he said.
“She is a really good horse. She was impressive in those two wins. She came from well back in each of them.”
“She is still carrying a bit of weight, but Saturday is a great starting point.”
James Mcdonald teamed with Panova for her past two trials and stays loyal to the talented filly this weekend.
Intriguingly, the Surround Stakes has proved tough terrain for Waller relative to his norms, yielding wins just twice with Hinged (2022) and Lady Shenandoah (last year).
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