Via Sistina has returned to Rosehill in style, successfully defending her Ranvet Stakes crown a year after announcing herself in Australia with a sensational debut win in the same race.
Since then, she has collected five more major victories, including a memorable success in last year’s Cox Plate, solidifying her reputation as one of the most dominant horses in training.
Trainer Chris Waller now fully understands the class of the mare he took over last year.
“She has lit up our lives,” Waller said.
“Twelve months ago today we didn’t know what we had coming out of quarantine. Obviously, we had a good article and a good horse to work with and a very supportive team with Yulong. They rarely make a mistake in Australian racing.
“She is a star. She is an unassuming horse but come race day she really turns it on.
“You can win Group One races here and there but good horses win them all the time and they’re hard to find.”
Positioned midfield behind early leader Full Count Felicia, Via Sistina ($1.22 betting favourite) was given a patient ride by James McDonald before being unleashed at the top of the straight.
She surged past her stablemate Lindermann ($11) to claim victory by 1-1/2 lengths, with Fawkner Park ($15) finishing another half-length away in third.
Waller confirmed Via Sistina is now set for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick, looking to go one better after her second-place finish to Pride Of Jenni last year.
The champion trainer was thrilled with her performance and expects even more improvement heading into her next target.
“It was perfect,” he said.
“She had an economical run throughout. She was travelling well enough to angle out on the turn, just went through her gears nicely and when the pressure comes into a race, that’s when she knows how to perform.”
“I thought she might have actually got away from us a little bit today so I think there is improvement to come.”
Waller also took encouragement from Lindermann’s effort, bouncing back after a disappointing Sky High Stakes (2000m) run last week, and expects Full Count Felicia to progress after a tough Australian debut.
