Barrier draw to dictate Aeliana's next race

Trainer Chris Waller is set to make a decision later this week on whether Aeliana will face off against stablemate Autumn Glow in the 7 Stakes at Randwick, or be redirected to Melbourne for a Group 1 event at Caulfield.

The mare is confirmed as an acceptor for both the 7 Stakes (1600m) and the Underwood Stakes (1800m). Waller's preference is to keep her closer to home, but this is contingent on the barrier draw.

"We're going to accept for the Underwood and the 7 Stakes, and then make a decision," Waller revealed.

"I'm happy to give her one more run at home to make sure everything is perfect and then probably join up in Melbourne for the Turnbull (Stakes)."

"If she was drawing an even gate in both places, she will probably stay in Sydney. If she draws better in Melbourne in the Underwood, she'll go to the Underwood."

The multiple Group 1 winner was a late scratching from the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday. She instead completed a 1000m solo trial between races at Rosehill.

Ridden by Zac Lloyd, Aeliana covered the distance in 1:09.49, with her final 600m in 36.53s. Her overall time was almost five seconds slower than Autumn Glow, who also had a workout over the same distance.

Waller expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of both mares, noting that Autumn Glow was carrying more condition and required a sterner gallop.

"She's very forward, Aeliana. If she's going to run over a mile, I still want to keep her sharp, so I didn't want her to do too much. Autumn Glow does well between runs," he commented.

Lindermann, the recent victor of the Chelmsford Stakes, will also be nominated for races in Sydney and Melbourne. Much like Aeliana, the barrier draw is expected to be the determining factor for his intended destination.

"Lindermann will be in a similar boat to Aeliana. He'll be nominated for the Underwood and here," Waller indicated.

"It would be exciting to run him in a Group One race, but the 7 Stakes is still worth a lot of money, and he's a gelding."

"He's still building himself up. He had a soft mile last start, he's ready for a strong mile, so it's just weighing it up."

The Randwick card will also feature The Shorts (1100m), where several leading Everest contenders are scheduled to make an appearance, including the Waller-trained Joliestar, who makes her first start since her placing at Royal Ascot in June. The final decision for Aeliana rests heavily on the upcoming barrier draw. Consider placing bets on the 7 Stakes with the best online bookmakers.