Fangirl arrives just in time to nail barn mate in 2025 The 7 Stakes
Chris Waller could smile regardless of the outcome as Fangirl and Lindermann went stride-for-stride in the $1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick, the judge ultimately siding with Fangirl by a nose.
“I actually thought Lindermann had won,” Waller said. “But when it’s the stablemate in a photo you’re not too concerned. Great result. It was an intriguing race… Lindermann kept fighting hard. Full credit to Fangirl and James (McDonald).”
Fangirl, the $2.05 favourite, backed up her victory in last year’s edition of the race and redeemed a below-par showing in the Memsie Stakes. Waller noted: “Her run was fine. She just got lost at Caulfield. She’s come back well, loves Randwick and loves the mile.”
The mare will next tackle the King Charles III Stakes (1600m), where she was victorious in 2023. McDonald was effusive: “She’s so good, I love her dearly. A thrill to ride, a line chaser, and she gives her heart every time.”
Nash Rawiller lauded Lindermann after the $5 shot pushed hard to the line. “I thought Fangirl had us cold at the 100 metres but I loved the way he kept coming. He’s going to win a good one.”
Third place went to Ceolwulf ($4), two lengths away, and Schofield said: “We had the run I wanted. Travelled well. He was honest up the straight.”
The 7 Stakes provided Waller with a second nail-biting finish on the program after Birdman scraped home over Adelaide River in the Kingston Town Stakes.
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