Volatile Sydney forecasts have all in suspense, but Chris Waller’s principal performers charge on toward the season’s first Group 1 showdown at the carnival.
The program on Saturday includes the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) and another top-tier race, with Waller saddling seven of nine competitors for a tight hold.
Lacking major autumn status, Waller still deems the mile clash a key milestone, reflected in victories by Via Sistina, Verry Elleegant, and Winx not long ago.
Favourite Autumn Glow tops his lineup, bolstered by Australian Derby scorer Aeliana, durable Lindermann, and stayers fresh from a break.
“It’s a fork in the road. Some stick around the 1500-metre and mile path, some will go up in distance, and some might go to easier races,” Waller said.
“Those previous winners, their class told. Verry Elleegant was a little bit different to the other two because she was more dominant over further, but she had the class to win over a mile.
“Autumn Glow fits those three horses.”
In the Skyline Stakes (1200m), Waller eyes success through flawless colt Fireball and unexposed Central Europe.
Central Europe ranks fifth in Golden Slipper odds at $18 on the back of flashy trials; Frankel his sire leans toward stamina, but Waller references Hungry Heart’s exploits.
Under Waller’s care, the Frankel daughter won the Sweet Embrace Stakes that same meeting in 2020, ending fifth in the Golden Slipper.
“We have respected Frankel since then, and he was a very good horse himself, a fast horse,” Waller said.
“So I’m not totally surprised.
“This horse hasn’t been pushed yet. He has got there himself. He is having his first start in a Group race so it’s straight to the NRL first time. They have to be very good, and he is. It’s just whether he’s ready for it.”
From stall seven, Central Europe lines up, Fireball from tricky 12, yet Waller vows the Inglis Millennium champ will appear, long-term aims guiding.
“We’re keen to go three weeks into the Slipper,” he said.
“We just need to get the first half right and make sure he is finishing off so we’re not scratching our head going into the Slipper. That will have some bearing on how we ride him Saturday.”
Randwick presented as soft 7 Friday morning amid ongoing rain, expected to subside.
Secure the top Australian betting sites options ahead of the Verry Elleegant Stakes feature.