Rosehill Ranvet Stakes offers Aeliana chance to shine and aid McDonald record
Via Sistina owned the spring headlines. Now, this campaign belongs to Autumn Glow.
For much of her last six races, Aeliana has played second fiddle to a pair of superstar barnmates, but come Saturday at Rosehill, the mare claims centre stage in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
Beyond seeking her breakthrough win since crushing ATC Australian Derby foes 12 months prior, she stands ready to propel James McDonald towards equalling Damien Oliver's 129 Group 1 Australian victories record.
Having snared last week's Coolmore Classic with Lazzura, McDonald sits one elite success shy of the retired legend's tally, starting his five Group 1 assignments at Rosehill with Aeliana.
Chris Waller, the trainer, is upbeat about the mare's prospects to gift the star rider his moment, matching punter sentiment with her steady $1.65 favoritism.
"She has come back stronger, and her first two runs have been fantastic," Waller said.
"She's got the best form heading into a Ranvet.
"This time last year, she ran second by a nostril on the same day in the Rosehill Guineas to Broadsiding and came out with an emphatic Derby win.
"She is where she needs to be."
Among McDonald's stellar five Group 1 bookings Saturday—all from Sydney's top trainer—Aeliana leads the charge.
In case she doesn't deliver the equaliser, Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas provides the immediate follow-up to eclipse Oliver, succeeded by flawless mare Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
Fireball's tilt at the Golden Slipper (1200m) and Generosity's in the Galaxy (1100m) demand upsets from double-digit prices for his other elite rides.
Stablemate Lindermann ($9) poses a major threat to Aeliana, with two triumphs and two podiums in four Rosehill 2000m goes.
The gelding showed promise with a third on resumption before fading in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), but Waller confirms a rebound and expects competitiveness.
"He's fine. He's had an ECG and everything is normal so he will definitely be there," Waller said.
The stable's underdog Trinity College owns overseas Group 3 credentials at the distance, and Waller lauds his form post-Australian debut last month.
Punters can check online bookmakers for the best racing betting markets on the Ranvet Stakes.
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