Steel Will aims for Flemington success mirroring his sister
Trainer Chris Waller is hoping Steel Will can follow in the hoofprints of his sibling as the three-year-old colt prepares for his Melbourne debut at Flemington.
Having won his last two races, Steel Will is slated to contest the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes over 1100 metres this Saturday.
Steel Will's older half-sister, September Run, also commenced her Melbourne campaign as a three-year-old, showcasing considerable speed down the Flemington straight.
September Run captured the Listed Cap D'Antibes Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, a Saturday race, before going on to win the Poseidon Stakes and subsequently the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
A scheduling adjustment means the Poseidon Stakes will now be run on a different date than the Group 2 Danehill Stakes, also at Flemington, with the latter scheduled for October 3 this year.
September Run was more accomplished as a two-year-old, securing wins at Canterbury and Doomben, whereas Steel Will achieved one placing from two juvenile starts.
Following a first-up defeat to launch her three-year-old season, September Run travelled to Melbourne and began her successful streak.
However, Steel Will has registered wins at Wyong and Rosehill to kick off his three-year-old year, and Waller is eager to ascertain his position among the stable's promising young sprinters.
"We're not sure (where he lays) and that's why we want to run him and see where he does fit in," Waller stated.
"Sentimentally there is a little bit in our favour. He's a half-brother to September Run and this is when she found he great form when she won in a similar type of race at the same time.
"He's done everything right in Sydney and we just want to see how he performs down the straight and then he can maybe go on to a Danehill and hopefully the Coolmore.
"But they are big steps though."
Steel Will has drawn gate nine in the field of ten runners and will be guided by jockey Ben Melham.
Punters looking to get involved can find a range of online bookmakers offering markets for the Poseidon Stakes.
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