Punters rate Sixties as the supporting act to Chris Waller’s main hope in the Doncaster Mile, but the stable can mount a persuasive case for the three-year-old to excel in Randwick’s premier contest.
Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, Sheza Alibi is the $2 market elect, with Autumn Boy from Waller at $7, and Sixties alongside rivals at $14 through to $19.
Unfortunate starting positions have dogged the colt throughout the campaign, like his third in Flemington’s Australian Guineas (1600m), and the wide alley poses issues once more in the 16-horse Doncaster field.
Still, granted some leniency from out wide, Waller has faith that Sixties is capable of a bold showing at the business end.
“Sixties is a very talented horse, and he showed that with his Phar Lap (Stakes) win, and before that as well,” Waller said.
“He didn’t get much luck in his last Group One run, which was in the Australian Guineas, when he drew wide and needed to go forward. It didn’t quite work for him.
“He’s (Group 1 winner) Artorius’ brother, so he’s well bred, and he’s a really good-natured horse.”
Rachel King claimed the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) with Sixties 12 months ago and sticks with him for Saturday’s assignment.
No top-line Waller victory yet for her, but six Group 1s in Australia via Bjorn Baker, Tulloch Lodge, and Mark Newnham, plus a Japanese coup last year.
The trainer is buzzing to team up with the lightweight ace, who has excelled in major assignments.
“She won a Group race on him in the spring, and she is a natural lightweight rider,” he said.
“I see her as a big race rider. She’s won some big races in Australia, some big races in Japan, big races in Melbourne. She’s the right person for the job.”
King participates in each of the four Group 1 features kicking off The Championships, with mounts on Baker’s Rachini in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Green Spaces in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), and Pride’s Mazu in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).
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