US import poised to Pounce in 2025 The Nivison

Champion trainer Chris Waller has rewritten the book on transforming European stayers into Australian stars — and now he’s turning his attention to the next frontier: American imports.

With the European bloodstock market increasingly tapped, Waller’s stable has begun welcoming high-quality runners from the US, including Yulong’s mares Moira, Full Count Felicia and River Of Stars, who ran third in this year’s Sydney Cup.

Other success stories from American pedigrees include Con Te Partiro, winner of the 2020 Coolmore Classic and Queen Of The Turf Stakes, and Royal Patronage, who claimed the 2025 Canterbury Stakes.

Now, Waller’s team hopes new arrival Pounce can be the next to break through. The five-year-old mare, a dual Group winner in America, will make her Australian debut in The Nivison (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday with Adam Hyeronimus aboard from gate four.

“They’ve done a pretty good job, the American horses, in recent years,” assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “Yulong has sent us a few mares, and it’s interesting to see how their form lines up. She (Pounce) certainly looks like she’ll make the grade.”

Duckworth said Pounce had settled in quickly to Australian conditions and would improve over longer distances.

“Once she gets out to a more suitable trip, she’ll be very competitive,” he said. “She hasn’t missed a beat since she got here — it’s just a question of whether 1200 metres is a bit short first-up.”

Pounce races in the colours of Resolute Racing, headed by American owner John Stewart, who famously bid for Winx’s first foal. Her debut will help the Waller stable map out her path for the remainder of spring.

“She’s already a multiple Group Three winner, so we’ll be looking to add more black type,” Duckworth said.

Pounce is rated a $15 chance, while Gangsta Granny leads the market at $2.80.

For the best The Nivison betting odds and race previews, visit Australia’s leading betting sites.