Sixties set for strong showing with Rachel King in Randwick feature
Chris Waller's Sixties is seen by punters as the trainer's secondary option for the Doncaster Mile, though Waller can present compelling reasons for the three-year-old to shine in Randwick's marquee event.
Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman's Sheza Alibi tops the markets at $2, with Waller's Autumn Boy next at $7, and Sixties grouped with others at odds ranging $14 to $19.
The colt's season has been hampered by unlucky barriers, notably his third in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington, and he faces another challenge from the outside post in the 16-horse Doncaster.
That said, with a bit of assistance from the draw, Waller believes Sixties has the quality to be right in the mix late.
"Sixties is a very talented horse, and he showed that with his Phar Lap (Stakes) win, and before that as well," Waller said.
"He didn't get much luck in his last Group One run, which was in the Australian Guineas, when he drew wide and needed to go forward. It didn't quite work for him.
"He's (Group 1 winner) Artorius' brother, so he's well bred, and he's a really good-natured horse."
Last year, Rachel King guided Sixties to victory in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) and picks up the ride again on Saturday.
King is yet to notch a big win with Waller, but her resume includes six Australian Group 1 successes for Bjorn Baker, Tulloch Lodge, and Mark Newnham, alongside one from Japan last year.
The trainer is excited about partnering with the naturally light jockey, who has demonstrated her class in elite races.
"She won a Group race on him in the spring, and she is a natural lightweight rider," he said.
"I see her as a big race rider. She's won some big races in Australia, some big races in Japan, big races in Melbourne. She's the right person for the job."
On The Championships' opening day, King rides in all four Group 1s: Rachini for Baker in the Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), Green Spaces in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), and Mazu for Joe Pride in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).
Check the leading online bookmakers for comprehensive betting markets on the Doncaster Mile.
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