Wet track to suit in-form Ahuriri at Randwick races
Chris Waller is banking on a rain-affected track at Randwick to bring out the best in staying mare Ahuriri, who steps out in Saturday’s PF Civil Handicap (2400m).
The daughter of Dundeel broke through last start on a heavy 9 at Canterbury over 1900m, registering her first victory since landing the VRC St Leger (2800m) last year.
“She’s in form and has shown she can handle these conditions,” Waller said. “Stamina will be tested and she’s got that covered. She ticks a lot of boxes for a winter stayer.”
Ahuriri is a $3.80 favourite in early betting and has drawn barrier 13, with leading apprentice Zac Lloyd to ride as part of a busy book that includes nine rides across the card.
Among his other engagements is promising juvenile Master Of The Air in the opener. The Waller-trained colt resumes after finishing fifth behind King Of Pop in a Warwick Farm maiden in February, with that colt going on to win the Black Opal Stakes.
Lloyd also reunites with trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton for three runners: Hurstville Zagreb ($4.40) in the Chalouhi Handicap (1800m), Interjection ($5.50) in the Magnolia Lane Financial Services Handicap (1400m), and She’s Unusual ($4.60) in the Wilson Asset Management Handicap (1400m). The latter is unbeaten from four heavy track starts.
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