Lady treading well worn path to future success

Chris Waller’s decision to run Lady Shenandoah in Brisbane this weekend isn’t just about splitting his two-year-olds between states.

The filly has been scratched from the opening race at Randwick, where Waller will be represented by Leconfield, to tackle black-type company in the Listed Bill Carter Stakes (1200m) at Doomben.

It was a path trodden by two former Waller fillies who later established themselves among the stable’s best sprinting mares, 2020 winner September Run and Zougotcha, who finished fifth to Stroll in the 2022 renewal.

“We went up there with September Run and we did it with Zougotcha,” Waller said.

“They both went to the same race.

“Zougotcha didn’t win it, but she went up there, had the trip away, and it was good for her learning and her confidence.”

September Run and to a lesser extend Zougotcha were more seasoned than Lady Shenandoah at the same stage, the latter heading north off the back of just one run, a closing third to Saturday’s rival and Bill Carter Stakes favourite Clean Energy on a heavy track at Warwick Farm.

From a good draw in barrier four and with James Mcdonald in the saddle, Waller says his young charge has the talent to feature in the finish.

“I haven’t had a close look at the form yet, but this filly is good enough to win,” he said.

The champion trainer is also a fan of Snitzel colt Leconfield, who will be his sole runner in Saturday’s Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Handicap (1200m) at Randwick.

While the juvenile’s campaign is more about laying groundwork for the future, Waller sees parallels between Leconfield and Wednesday’s Warwick Farm winner Private Life, who he has touted as a potential Caulfield Guineas aspirant.

“Leconfield is a nice two-year-old. He’s a bit similar to Private Life,” Waller said.

“He just needs a bit of racing and he will measure up as a three-year-old.

“I’m not sure if he’s ready to win, but he’ll be competitive.”

Leconfield’s only start yielded a fourth to stablemate Emirate in a 1000m two-year-old maiden at Warwick Farm on the same program where Lady Shenandoah made her debut.

The latter races in the dark green and red chevroned silks of her owners Hermitage Thoroughbreds, which have enjoyed great success with Waller through the deeds of horses such as The Autumn Sun, Egg Tart and September Run.