Tajanis too good in the Australia Day Cup

Tajanis delivered trainer Chris Waller his third victory in the Australia Day Cup, continuing the stable’s success with imported gallopers.

The Listed event at Warwick Farm on Monday served as the day’s highlight, with Waller’s team securing both first and third place finishes.

Waller previously claimed the Australia Day Cup with Irish-bred Wazn in 2012 and UK-bred Chalk Stream in 2022, making Tajanis his latest imported winner of the race.

Ridden by Zac Lloyd and sent out as the $2.40 betting app favorite, Tajanis overcame the Victorian challenger Taramansour ($7) by three-quarters of a length. Saltcoats ($3.60) finished a further 3¾ lengths back in third.

Tajanis arrived in Australia early last year and initially raced in Melbourne, where he went winless in four starts. Since moving to Waller’s Rosehill base, he has thrived, with Monday’s victory marking his third win under Waller’s care and his second consecutive success following a 2400m win at Rosehill just nine days earlier.

Zane Jones, representing the Waller stable, praised Lloyd’s performance in the saddle. Lloyd replaced James McDonald, who had ridden Tajanis in his previous start but couldn’t make the gelding’s light 53kg on Monday.

“He’s a horse that’s racing at the peak of his form and brimming with confidence,” Jones told Sky Racing Central. “James gave him a brilliant ride last time, and the horse really built on that win. Zac gave him another excellent ride today. Even with the light weight, you’ve still got to deliver on race day.”

Jones also noted the challenging conditions: “It was a hot day, and he warmed up a bit before the race, but his confidence carried him through, and that was evident in his strong finish.”

Stablemate Saltcoats produced another commendable performance to claim third place, though Jones acknowledged the 2400m distance may have stretched his stamina.

“It was a solid effort, and James rode him beautifully,” Jones said. “He might be slightly vulnerable over the mile-and-a-half, but there are plenty of upcoming options for him. The important thing is he earned a cheque for his connections.”