Waller targets the PB Lawrence Stakes 2025 with American recruits

While the Winx Stakes will host Chris Waller’s headline acts later this month, the champion trainer is preparing to unleash some of his international talent in Melbourne’s first major weight-for-age race of the season.

The $300,000 Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday could see several of Yulong’s U.S.-bred mares in action, with Moira, Full Count Felicia and Anisette among Waller’s five entries.

Land Legend and More Felons are also nominated, but Waller hinted the mares may have a preference for racing in Melbourne.

“From what I’ve seen at home, they’re a little bit better left-handed and that would take the pressure off our system a little bit as well,” Waller said.

By heading south, the trio would dodge an early showdown with stablemates Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana in the $1 million Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23.

Anisette, already stabled at Flemington, is a triple Group 1 winner in the U.S. over 1811m to 2012m. Her only Australian start was in the Doncaster Mile this year, where she finished last.

Moira, a daughter of Ghostzapper, also contested the Doncaster, finishing 14th. Her biggest success came in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Fillies & Mares (2213m) at her final U.S. start, shortly after running second to Full Count Felicia over 2012m at Woodbine.

Full Count Felicia, by War Front, owns seven wins and finished fourth in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) in her only Australian run.

The trio, all entered for both the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, have each had two quiet Sydney trials leading into the spring.

In all-in betting for the Lawrence Stakes, Moira is $15, Full Count Felicia $21 and Anisette $34. Evaporate is the $3 favourite, with Private Eye close behind at $4.

For those keen to get involved, the full range of PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets is available with leading Australian bookmakers.