Chris Waller weighing up 2026 Expressway Stakes team
Chris Waller has nominated three leading chances for Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick but says it is unlikely all will run.
The 1200-metre feature has attracted 10 entries, including Joliestar, Angel Capital and Lady Shenandoah, and will serve as a stepping stone toward upcoming Group 1 targets.
“We have got three ace cards for the Expressway, including Angel Capital and Joliestar, so I don't want to run all three,” Waller said.
“I want to try to hold one back. I don't know which one, possibly Lady Shenandoah.
“She could run in the mares' race, the Triscay Stakes, or run the following week in the Millie Fox Stakes.”
Waller is expected to be represented by Lazzura, a four-year-old beginning her autumn campaign with the Coolmore Classic among her longer-term targets.
“She's had a couple of Group One placings and hasn't had a lot of luck with a couple of them. She jarred up a bit in Melbourne with the firm tracks in the spring,” Waller said.
Lazzura and Lady Shenandoah were among several runners to complete 1000-metre exhibition gallops at Randwick last Saturday. Both mares are also among the nominations for the Group 3 Triscay Stakes.
Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Lindermann and Trinity College also took part in the workouts, which Waller said were beneficial in building fitness.
“The day out, the hot weather, the trip home, they've been away from the feed bin for six hours. It's all part of tightening them up,” he said.
“It just saves the hard workouts and it saves getting behind. It's easier to be well ahead. You just can't play catch up with horses, so being well prepared and exhibition gallops show everything has gone to plan and there have been no setbacks.
“If I don't give them an exhibition gallop, it's either a rushed prep or I just didn't have time to do it how I wanted to do it.
“It gives them a chance to have a bit of a sweat, break the skin. Then next week they'll come back and they'll be picture perfect.”
Waller also has a strong presence among the entries for the $300,000 Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), where Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Lindermann and Trinity College could line up alongside Antino, Ceolwulf and Stefi Magnetica.
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