Alley an ally for Afterlight

Chris Waller’s decision to scratch Afterlight due to a wide barrier last weekend was vindicated when the starting positions came out for the back-up option, this Saturday’s Schweppes Handicap at Randwick.

The in-form mare drew the inside barrier for the fillies and mares benchmark 78 event over 1100 metres and is in the market with betting apps.

That gives her the chance to log another win in a campaign that started with a win in midweek grade at Warwick Farm in September and includes back-to-back wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury at her past two.

“(She’s been a) model of consistency this prep, she’s won three races, including her last two,” Waller said.

“It’s tough for her, especially Randwick for an on-pace horse like her, but she showed last start that she can sit off them and win as well.

“You can’t beat winning form with mares.”

The four-year-old daughter of I Am Invincible, who is a half-sister to this year’s Sandown Guineas winner Serasana, is one of four last-start winners Waller has engaged at Randwick.

Two of them, Dazzle Legend and Miss Emma, will clash in the 1300m benchmark 72 handicap, while Dynamic Spirit will go around in the 1200m benchmark 78 that rounds out the card.

One member of the stable who did not win last start, but Waller thought should have, was Louisville, who is favourite for the 1600m benchmark 78 event that is Race 6.

“Very unlucky not to have won last start, simple as that,” Waller said.

“Wide draw here, but the race looks to suit and a mile should be right up his alley. Very hard to beat.”

Louisville will start from the outside barrier in the field of eight and will be ridden by Tommy Berry, who also has the ride on Afterlight.