God's Window the focus for Chris Waller in W J McKell Cup
Chris Waller's stable is pinning its hopes on God's Window for the W J McKell Cup at Rosehill, as Rotagilla is expected to race in Queensland.
Rotagilla has remained in Brisbane since its third-place finish at Eagle Farm earlier this month, and Waller's assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, has indicated the horse will contest the Tattersall's Mile (1600m) at the same track on Saturday. This decision avoids stretching the horse beyond a mile at Rosehill.
"He is already up there anyway, and 2000 just sees him out because he wants to get a little bit keen, so he will stay over the mile up there instead," Duckworth explained.
"He is a good little horse. He just needs speed on, and Tim (Clark) gets on well with him. That's another factor for keeping him up there."
Consequently, God's Window will be the lone contender from the Waller stable in the Listed W J McKell Cup (2000m), the headline event at Rosehill.
The trainer previously claimed the winter feature with Skyman in 2022. God's Window enters the race in strong form, having secured a win over a mile at Randwick two starts back and a runner-up finish to Formal Display over the same distance and course on June 6.
God's Window, in only his second Australian campaign, was considered a contender for the 2024 Epsom Derby overseas. While his wins have been over shorter distances, he has placed in races up to 2414m.
"Both runs back over a mile have been really good," Duckworth remarked.
"He has drawn slightly sticky, but he is relaxing better than he ever has, which has been a bit of a concern for him.
"He had a tick over trial last week. He's right in it."
The early betting markets reflect this confidence, with God's Window installed as the $3.70 favourite. Zaphod, who placed in the Gosford and Lord Mayors Cup, is at $5, while Rotagilla is listed at $8.50 for his Brisbane engagement.
Consider placing a wager on God's Window in the W J McKell Cup through these online bookmakers for competitive racing odds.
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