Golden Slipper runner-up Coleman to debut for new stable

The Chris Waller stable is preparing for a big weekend with three exciting colts set to step out, including new recruit Coleman who will line up in the Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

Previously trained by Matt Laurie, Coleman was second in the Golden Slipper and brings Group 1 experience as he resumes under Waller’s care. He was floated to Queensland after opting out of the Hawkesbury Gold Rush.

Also resuming is Gatsby’s, who will race in the Hawkesbury Guineas with blinkers removed and a slight distance rise.

“Nash was keen to try him over further without the blinkers and he’s relaxed really well in his work,” assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said.

“We’ve made those changes and we’re hopeful it will get him back to form. He’s certainly trying.”

Coleman, who also placed in the Roman Consul Stakes last prep, has trialled twice in blinkers and now wears a nose roll for the first time.

“He’s shown us a lot in both trials and he’s behaving much better. Hopefully he can explode on race day,” Duckworth said.

Emirate will also resume in Brisbane. He was among the leading spring three-year-olds before bone chips ruled him out of the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

“We found chips in his fetlocks after a jump out,” Duckworth explained. “He was up there with our best. James McDonald nearly chose him over Switzerland.”

He returns in a low-pressure three-year-old event as the team builds him back up.