Mchale earns G1 Epsom Handicap start via Bill Ritchie

Mchale isn’t the biggest name in Chris Waller’s stable, but he has earned himself a Group One opportunity with a narrow victory in the Bill Ritchie Handicap at Randwick.

The winner of the Group 3 race gains a ballot exemption from the Epsom Handicap (1600m), and Waller sees no reason not to press on to the spring showpiece with Mchale.

“I guess we have a look at the Epsom. It’s an owner’s privilege to be running in those races when you win the lead-up,” Waller said.

“He had the run of the race, it was a nice ride from Rachel (King).

“He’s a good horse and he always runs well fresh.”

McHale was coming off a winter carnival campaign in Queensland where his efforts included a Gunsynd Classic placing behind Bases Loaded, however, he snuck under the guard of most punters at Randwick.

Sent out a $26 chance with betting apps, McHale surged along the inside to claim Saturday’s Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) by a nose over Gringotts ($4.60) with leader Felix Majestic ($18) sticking on for third, another 1-1/4 lengths in arrears.

Waller admitted McHale’s place in the market had him a little gun shy, but felt the horse had enjoyed little luck throughout his career.

“I was surprised to see his odds, but when you see those odds, you sort of say, ‘Oh gee, maybe I’ve got it wrong,'” he said.

“He has always been thereabouts and not had a lot of luck and things went against him in Queensland.”

Waller has captured the Bill Ritchie – Epsom Handicap double three times with Boban (2013), Kolding (2019) and Rediener 12 months ago.