Silver Slipper Stakes features rematch between Hidrix and Confederation
The Canonbury Stakes exacta duo from Chris Waller, Hidrix and Confederation, will renew rivalry this coming weekend, furthering their preparation for the Golden Slipper via the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.
In their initial appearances over 1100 metres, Hidrix prevailed by 1-3/4 lengths against the stablemate, but Waller believes Confederation is poised to reduce the deficit in Saturday's $300,000 Group 2 event.
"Hidrix has come on nicely. The other horse has got to harness that early speed that he had," Waller said.
"A little gear change with him and he'll be right. He could turn the tables if he does things right."
Waller intends to equip Confederation, a $650,000 Magic Millions yearling by Wootton Bassett, with a device that attaches the reins to enhance the rider's influence.
"It's called an Irish martingale," Waller said.
"We've been using them a bit more. They stop them from throwing their head."
Entries for the Silver Slipper include Hidrix, a son of Extreme Choice acquired for $1.7 million at Inglis Easter, and Confederation, plus Canonbury placer Eviction Notice, ex-Golden Slipper hope Incognito, and Shiki, winner of the Gimcrack Stakes.
For Waller's pair, the Silver Slipper represents just their second race start, diverging from the norm where Golden Slipper champions often race a month earlier, though Waller trusts his juvenile strategy.
"It just seems to work for us," he said.
"You get a month out from the Slipper and you think you've got nothing and, all of a sudden, you've got two or three."
Central Europe, unraced yet betting favourite for the Golden Slipper, skipped nominations here but Waller suggested a possible debut next week in Randwick's $300,000 Group 2 Skyline Stakes.
According to Waller, the horse retains Golden Slipper possibilities despite the compressed timeframe.
"He would only get there through running in the Pago Pago second-up," he said.
Shinzo's prelude to Golden Slipper glory, the Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes, takes place at Rosehill on March 14. Fans can find competitive odds on the Silver Slipper Stakes via the top online bookmakers.
The post Return bout for Hidrix, Confederation first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
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