James McDonald will once again partner with Via Sistina as she looks to challenge her stablemate Fangirl in this weekend’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick. The Cox Plate winner will be looking to improve on her first-up third-place finish in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), where she was ridden by Kerrin McEvoy.

Trainer Chris Waller is confident that the step up in distance to 1600m will work in Via Sistina’s favor, but he also sees this as an ideal race for Fangirl before her stablemate progresses to longer distances.

“Fangirl is in great shape and will be hard to beat,” Waller said. “She’s at her peak second-up, and this distance is perfect for her right now.”

“Via Sistina, on the other hand, is built for 1600m to 2000m races. If they run a fast tempo, she’ll be even stronger.”

Fangirl has drawn barrier five, with Via Sistina set to jump from barrier eight in a field of nine. Waller also has Lindermann (barrier seven) and returning stayer Land Legend (barrier one) among his runners, while Ceolwulf (barrier nine), trained by Joe Pride, is another key contender.

In addition to the Verry Elleegant Stakes, Waller will also field five runners in the $750,000 Surround Stakes (1400m). Leading the charge is the highly-rated Lady Shenandoah, who will start from barrier three under James McDonald.

With Autumn Glow not contesting the race, Waller’s team also includes Amelita (barrier 11), Delichy Boulevard (barrier eight), Lazzura (barrier one), and Movin’ Out (barrier seven), a Kiwi Group 1 placegetter.