Lindermann triumphs in rescheduled Chelmsford Stakes
Lindermann has rediscovered his top form, though Fangirl may have concluded her racing career after the delayed Group 2 $300,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) was contested at Royal Randwick today.
A severe storm, complete with heavy rain and powerful winds, swept across Randwick shortly after the running of the preceding Concorde Stakes, necessitating a 20-minute delay to the Chelmsford Stakes.
By the time the weight-for-age mile contest took place, the wind and rain had subsided. Lindermann, under the guidance of Nash Rawiller, led from start to finish, in a manner very similar to his victory in the same race last year.
The primary distinction this year was that Lindermann secured the Chelmsford Stakes with considerably more ease, winning by almost two lengths.
Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller, who achieved his ninth Chelmsford Stakes victory with Lindermann, expressed his strong approval of the horse and jockey.
"That was Lindermann at his best, Nash at his best,'' Waller said.
"He came through that first-up run which had a frantic pace and bounced back today.
"He has his confidence back now."
Lindermann, the $2.70 favourite, launched clear into the straight and pulled away to win by nearly two lengths from the fast-closing Ceolwulf ($3.60), with Fangirl ($3.30) finishing three-quarters of a length behind in third.
Both Ceolwulf and Fangirl crossed the $11 million prizemoney mark with their placings in the Chelmsford Stakes, but the reactions from the connections of each horse were worlds apart.
Trainer Joe Pride and jockey Chad Schofield were thrilled with Ceolwulf's powerful finishing second, which keeps the horse on track for a potential third consecutive win in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
"He was huge,'' Schofield commented on Ceolwulf. "We knew the race lacked pressure and we knew Lindermann would get the lead he got.
"We just didn't want to go reinventing the wheel with him second up by putting him up on speed. I took him back from a bad draw and he ripped home late. I'm very happy."
Fangirl had won the King Charles III Stakes in 2023, but Waller conceded the mare is not performing at her highest level.
"Fangirl was brave again but I would say that will be her last run,'' Waller commented. "I will have a talk with the Ingham family on Monday.
"She was gallant but nowhere near her best. She would have got them a year ago, even a few months ago.
"She has been an awesome horse for Sydney to follow but I would say she has run her last race. She has been so good for so long."
Lindermann has also proven to be an enduring talent for the Waller stable, and as a seven-year-old gelding, he is competing at the height of his powers.
"We were going hard enough early and you don't have to be in a hurry to get over with this horse,'' said Rawiller following his fifth win in the Chelmsford Stakes.
"Once Lindermann got into that rhythm, he is tough to run down. He is a beauty.
"I trialled him and was so happy with him then his first-up he was too bad to be true but to Hugh Bowwan's credit, he didn't knock the horse around when he was beaten and that was why he was able to bounce back today.
"The last 12 months have been his best, he is going so well. There is some talk he might go to the Group 1 Underwood Stakes next – he would be hard to beat around Caulfield."
Waller admitted he was uncertain about Lindermann's next start, although he expressed reservations about a potential clash with stablemate, the champion mare Autumn Glow, in the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.
"I'm not sure where to go next with Lindermann, we will have a look at things,'' Waller stated.
"Then the 7 Stakes is going to be tricky in two weeks time but we will weigh everything up and see what is best for him."
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