Trainer Clinton McDonald still dreaming big with Rosberg

Chris Waller has nominated three leading contenders for Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick but indicated it is unlikely all will take their place in the field.

The 1200-metre feature has attracted 10 entries, including Joliestar, Angel Capital and Lady Shenandoah, and serves as an important 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 also set to saddle up Lazzura, a four-year-old with her sights on the Coolmore Classic, as she begins her autumn preparation.

“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 the horses to complete 1000-metre exhibition gallops at Randwick last Saturday, with the pair also nominated for the Group 3 Triscay Stakes.

Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Lindermann and Trinity College also took part in the workouts, which Waller said were valuable 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 hand among the entries for the $300,000 Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), with Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Lindermann and Trinity College potentially lining up alongside Antino, Ceolwulf and Stefi Magnetica.