Chris Waller’s next wave of international success might come from a new direction — the United States — as the champion trainer continues to expand his stable’s global reach.
Having built his reputation through an endless stream of elite European imports, Waller has turned his attention to the emerging market of American-bred horses. His early contingent includes the Yulong-owned mares Moira, Full Count Felicia and River Of Stars, the latter already Group 1-placed in the Sydney Cup.
Other stables have shown that top-level success is possible with American talent, most notably Tulloch Lodge with Con Te Partiro, who claimed the 2020 Coolmore Classic and Queen Of The Turf Stakes, and Royal Patronage, winner of the 2025 Canterbury Stakes.
Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth hopes their latest American arrival, Pounce, can follow that trend.
“They’ve done a pretty good job, the American horses, in recent years,” Duckworth said. “Yulong has given us a few mares, so we’ve had a good look at them. It’s always interesting to see how their form translates here, but she (Pounce) certainly looks the part.”
Pounce, a dual Group winner over a mile in the US, will have her Australian debut in The Nivison (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday. She’ll jump from gate four under Adam Hyeronimus and is expected to take improvement from the run.
“Once she stretches out in trip, she’ll be a genuine player,” Duckworth said. “She hasn’t missed a beat since arriving — it’s just whether 1200 metres is too sharp for her first-up.”
Owned by Resolute Racing, headed by American businessman John Stewart — the underbidder on Winx’s first foal — Pounce has impressed the team with her adaptability and professionalism.
“She’s already a multiple Group Three winner, so it’s about adding more black type to her page,” Duckworth said. “This race will tell us where we’re at and what her next steps should be.”
Pounce is a $15 outsider with Gangsta Granny holding favouritism at $2.80.
To explore betting markets on The Nivison and other Rosehill features, head to Australia’s top betting sites.
