Waller mares ‘perfect’ ahead of the 2025 Turnbull Stakes
Trainer Chris Waller is optimistic about the spring campaigns of Via Sistina and Aeliana despite mixed results in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
The stable stars will square off again in the $750,000 Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, marking their third head-to-head clash this preparation.
Although there was a possibility of sending them on different paths, Waller confirmed both mares will run in the Turnbull, with Damian Lane riding Aeliana and James McDonald aboard Via Sistina.
“They both had a gallop on Saturday morning at Flemington and both were perfect,” Waller said.
“James (McDonald) is going to ride Via and Damian (Lane) will ride Aeliana. It’s quite likely they will run together.”
The mares have already traded blows: Via Sistina beating Aeliana in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m), then Aeliana finishing ahead of her stablemate in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) when chasing home Mr Brightside.
Via Sistina will attempt to defend her Turnbull Stakes crown, having claimed last year’s edition over Buckaroo. Buckaroo is nominated again but is tipped to resume in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) instead.
Other likely Turnbull starters from Waller’s camp include Land Legend, Birdman, Moira, River Of Stars and Valiant King, with Antino, Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius and Caulfield Cup fancy Half Yours among the wider nominations.
Meanwhile, Lady Shenandoah, who lost her unbeaten record in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), is reported to have bounced back strongly.
“She has bounced out of it really well,” Waller said.
“We had the vet go over her (on Saturday morning), he was very happy. She ate up (on Friday night), which most horses don’t, but she did.
“It was just a messy race and outside barrier around a tight-turning track but she will be ready for three weeks’ time.”
The mare is expected to trial at Randwick on October 7 before heading to the $20 million The Everest on October 18.
For those planning a wager on the Turnbull Stakes, Australia’s top betting sites and best-rated betting apps are the place to find the best markets.
More Racing News
All-Star Mile next for Sabaj following blood test setback
Sabaj, under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, faces a puzzling field in the All-Star Mile with Pride Of Jenni taking part.Saturday's All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington is now the primary target for Sabaj, who skipped last week's Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington due to unsatisfactory blood...
Baraqiel to trial blinkers for Newmarket Handicap push
Baraqiel faces an uphill battle with the weights in pursuit of success in one of the nation's premier short-distance contests, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.Post-1973 metric weight implementation, merely three runners have prevailed in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) carrying more than 57.5kg, with the race set for Saturday.In...
Green Spaces earns Rachel King's trust for Randwick Guineas tilt
Returning from a triumphant riding spell in Japan, Rachel King has her eyes set on the Sydney autumn series, with a key engagement aboard the inexperienced three-year-old gelding Green Spaces in the Randwick Guineas.The esteem in which King views the Bjorn Baker stable's charge prompted her to jet in from...
Fortunes due to improve for backmarker Bauhinia
Bauhinia, known for settling towards the rear naturally, has often lacked the rub of the green in her races.Co-trainer Lee Curtis expects the mare to see her luck change for the better over autumn, kicking off in Saturday's Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) at Randwick."Her work has been as good as...
Gibbons lands timely Linebacker mount after Rosehill breakthrough
An ordinary benchmark contest at Rosehill back in July evolved into a career highlight for Dylan Gibbons, setting him up to steer star performer Linebacker in the Group One Canterbury Stakes.The promising jockey, mere months removed from shoulder surgery, had steered Good Banter to victory in that midwinter feature.Post-race, he...
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...