Rain no hindrance to Waller's Group 1 hopefuls at Randwick

Erratic Sydney weather has punters and connections alike uncertain, but Chris Waller's leading stablemates are pushing forward unabated toward the carnival's initial Group 1 fixture.

Saturday's lineup features the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) as one of two elite contests, and with seven from nine runners under his banner, Waller holds a commanding position.

Even if it falls short of the autumn heavyweights, the trainer considers this mile event a crucial preparatory test, backed by triumphs from Via Sistina, Verry Elleegant herself, and the legendary Winx in recent times.

Heading the group is market leader Autumn Glow, supported by Australian Derby champion Aeliana, reliable stayer Lindermann, and various long-distance types kicking off their campaigns.

"It's a fork in the road. Some stick around the 1500-metre and mile path, some will go up in distance, and some might go to easier races," Waller said.

"Those previous winners, their class told. Verry Elleegant was a little bit different to the other two because she was more dominant over further, but she had the class to win over a mile.

"Autumn Glow fits those three horses."

Expect Waller to loom large in the Skyline Stakes (1200m) as well, represented by unblemished colt Fireball and first-starter Central Europe.

Central Europe occupies the fifth spot in Golden Slipper wagering at $18, buoyed by sharp barrier trials, and while Frankel, his sire, excels at longer trips, Waller recalls the achievements of Hungry Heart.

The Frankel-sired filly secured the Sweet Embrace Stakes during the matching program back in 2020, then ran fifth in that season's Golden Slipper.

"We have respected Frankel since then, and he was a very good horse himself, a fast horse," Waller said.

"So I'm not totally surprised.

"This horse hasn't been pushed yet. He has got there himself. He is having his first start in a Group race so it's straight to the NRL first time. They have to be very good, and he is. It's just whether he's ready for it."

With barrier seven secured by Central Europe and an outside post 12 for Fireball, Waller nonetheless plans to run the Inglis Millennium hero, eyes on future riches.

"We're keen to go three weeks into the Slipper," he said.

"We just need to get the first half right and make sure he is finishing off so we're not scratching our head going into the Slipper. That will have some bearing on how we ride him Saturday."

Rain had Randwick at soft 7 by Friday forenoon, set to dry out as the day progresses.

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