Waller stars clash again in the G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes
James McDonald is set to reunite with Cox Plate winner Via Sistina in Saturday’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick, where she will attempt to turn the tables on her talented stablemate Fangirl.
After finishing third in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) under Kerrin McEvoy, Via Sistina will now have McDonald back on board, marking their first partnership since winning the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington.
Trainer Chris Waller believes the extra 200m will be an advantage for Via Sistina, though he expects Fangirl to be at her peak for this race.
“Fangirl is always strong second-up and should be very competitive,” Waller said. “She’s more of a sprinter-miler, while Via Sistina is suited to races up to 2000m.”
“If they set a strong pace, Via Sistina will benefit, but at this stage, Fangirl might still have the edge.”
Fangirl has drawn barrier five, while Via Sistina will start from gate eight in a nine-horse field. Waller also has Lindermann (barrier seven) and first-up stayer Land Legend (barrier one) representing his stable, with Joe Pride’s Ceolwulf (barrier nine) expected to provide strong competition.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes is one of two Group 1 features at Randwick this weekend, with Waller also fielding five runners in the $750,000 Surround Stakes (1400m). Lady Shenandoah, the odds-on favorite, will break from barrier three with James McDonald aboard.
Waller’s remaining entries include Amelita (barrier 11), Delichy Boulevard (barrier eight), Lazzura (barrier one), and Movin’ Out (barrier seven), a proven performer at the Group 1 level in New Zealand.
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