Confederation commences racing campaign at Caulfield

With a significant number of quality three-year-olds in his care, Chris Waller has made the strategic decision to divide his string between Melbourne and Sydney.

While Hidrix, Central Europe, and Striking Alibi are set to represent the stable in The Rosebud at Rosehill this Saturday, Waller has dispatched Confederation to the southern capital to contest the Group 3 Vain Stakes over 1200 metres at Caulfield.

Confederation made its way to Melbourne last week and participated in a jump-out at Flemington the preceding Friday, ultimately finishing at the tail end of the five-runner field.

The son of Wootton Bassett competed twice during his inaugural campaign, chasing home stablemate Hidrix on debut in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill back in January. Subsequently, he finished second-last behind Stretan Ruler in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at the same venue three weeks later.

Following that run, Racing NSW stewards placed a warning on Confederation, a decision that was partly instrumental in Waller's choice to send the colt to Melbourne.

Confederation had a single trial, securing second place at Rosehill last month, before making the journey to the trainer's Flemington base.

"He doesn't like the Rosehill 1100 (metres)," Waller explained regarding the decision to transfer Confederation to Melbourne.

"He had a couple of runs out of the shute and he used to get a bit aggressive and run out to the left, and it cost him a couple of times."

Waller mentioned that he was still in the process of evaluating his new season three-year-olds, aiming to ascertain which of his team had successfully elevated their performance from two to three-year-old racing.

However, the trainer maintains faith that Confederation will achieve this step-up.

"We go by feel," Waller remarked.

"He looks like he's come back well, and Damian Lane rode him on Friday, and he was pretty happy with him."

Although Lane partnered Confederation in the Flemington jump-out last week, he is slated to ride Hard Kick on Saturday.

Ben Melham is booked to ride Confederation on Saturday.

Considering Confederation's debut in the Vain Stakes, explore the available betting markets for the race at various online bookmakers.