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.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...