The weather has played havoc with Sydney tracks, but Chris Waller believes his squad is well positioned to handle conditions in Saturday’s Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
Seven of Waller’s runners are among the 18 entries for the $1 million feature, with the track posted a Heavy 8 as nominations closed. Forecasts, however, indicate the possibility of another 100mm of rain in the coming days.
“At this time of year, every day is a different day with weather,” Waller said. “We’ve had to restrict a lot of their work, but with these ones they’ve actually been well ahead of it. They’ve actually been on the right leg, while other horses have been on the wrong leg. They’ve had their trials and exhibition gallop while other horses are struggling to even have their first trials.”
He said he would assess conditions later in the week but is intent on running them if safe to do so. “If the forecast is like it has been and we are not seeing those 40 to 50mm (of rain), they will be running, but we’ll make a decision later in the week if we need to, but I want to run them, as long as the track is safe. I need to get them started.”
Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, Lindermann, Full Count Felicia, Aeliana and River Of Stars comprise the Waller contingent. James McDonald partners Via Sistina, Jason Collett takes Aeliana and Kerrin McEvoy is aboard Fangirl, with all three horses working well in gallops at Rosehill on Saturday.
“They’re well prepared. They’re not going into the race underdone or heavy,” Waller said. “Rain on the day is the worst thing, and you can’t control that. I’ve got respect for the Sydney tracks. I think they’re better and we saw in the autumn with some rain they recovered quickly.”
Waller said the Randwick surface should be in strong order after missing racing last weekend. “That’s what kills tracks is overuse but we’re going onto a fresh track, (with the rail in the) true position. It will be fine.”
Mr Brightside, Light Infantry Man, Ceolwulf, Gringotts and Another Wil are also among the nominations for the Winx Stakes.
