Waller's formidable team set for Group One season start
Chris Waller is poised to unleash a formidable team for the Group One Winx Stakes, with star mare Autumn Glow set to lead the charge. The champion trainer will make a final decision later in the week regarding how many stablemates will join her in the 1400-metre feature.
On Saturday at Rosehill, six of Waller's carnival contenders engaged in exhibition gallops. It is anticipated that four of these horses, including Autumn Glow, will be nominated for the prestigious race.
"Whatever is ready to run, will run, so there will be a lot. It's just such an important starting point," Waller stated from Rosehill. "Not many of them could probably beat a horse like Autumn Glow, but when you've got horses like Beiwacht, anything is possible. They're all well prepared. They've been trialling for a number of weeks now. Today was an important stepping stone for me and the horses just to see exactly where they are seven days out from a very big race day."
James McDonald was aboard Autumn Glow for her solo workout between races, and the jockey was highly impressed with the mare's performance.
"She is ready to go," McDonald confirmed. "She seems to be working really well. Every bit of work she has done, she has come on, worked a bit sharper and sharper."
Beiwacht and Lady Shenandoah also galloped on their own, and Waller confirmed their inclusion among the Winx Stakes (1400m) entries. Meanwhile, ATC Sires' Produce Stakes victor Campione D'Italia is likely to contest the Show County Quality (1200m) on the undercard.
Buckaroo, French import Barnavara, and Autumn Boy were partnered in their Saturday gallop, though only Autumn Boy is likely to take his place in the Winx Stakes.
Buckaroo is slated to make his return in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield the following week. Barnavara's gear will be adjusted by Waller after her strong gallop.
Aeliana, Fangirl, Lindermann, and Angel Capital are also potential Winx Stakes nominees for Waller. However, Angel Capital is expected to join Buckaroo in Melbourne.
Waller expressed satisfaction with Aeliana's barrier trial effort on Friday, noting that it pleased him despite an earlier setback in her preparation. She remains a strong possibility for the Winx Stakes. "She will definitely be in the 'noms'," he said. "She only trialled (on Friday) because of the setback, but I think over 850 (metres), she was sharp enough, which is what I wanted to see."
Punters considering the main event can find competitive betting markets for the race at leading online bookmakers.
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