Caulfield Guineas: Waller's quartet completes key trackwork

Trainer Chris Waller's team heading towards the Caulfield Guineas has received a significant boost following a beneficial visit to Caulfield.

The quartet of Tron Bolt, Diameter, Central Europe, and Somethings Burnin' all participated in gallops at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, honing their preparations for the upcoming Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.

During their visit, the four colts were able to experience the race day tie-up stalls, navigate the walk into the mounting yard, and gain a firsthand impression of the Caulfield track.

"It's important to come here as they come here on race day more relaxed," Waller commented. "It's no different to us. They get familiar with being here. You don't want their eyes popping out of their heads, you want them to focus and concentrate on their racing."

Waller departed Caulfield on Tuesday morning with a sense of accomplishment, but later that day, the barrier draw for the 11-horse field was revealed, presenting less than ideal outcomes for some of his runners.

Tron Bolt will start from gate 11, Diameter from gate 9, Central Europe from gate 7, and Somethings Burnin' drew the most advantageous position in gate three.

"A good barrier is always important in the Caulfield Guineas, or any race," Waller noted. "When my horses draw wide, they generally drift back, find a spot, relax, get the first half of the race right. You rely on so much luck and speed to be able to win."

The onus now shifts to the capable jockeys to steer their mounts effectively.

Waller indicated that Tron Bolt's campaign has been specifically designed for the Guineas, following his triumph in the JJ Atkins (1600m) during Brisbane's Queensland Winter Carnival.

"He's a very talented colt with a Group 1 next to his name and his run in the Golden Rose was certainly a pass mark and he will appreciate stepping up to 1600 metres," Waller said. "Being a J J Atkins winner, you hope they have enough speed to win a Golden Rose, but barrier draws and the like probably played a part, but this has been a target race for him."

Central Europe, acquired as a high-priced yearling, has secured placings in three of his five outings but remains a maiden heading into the Guineas.

The son of Frankel underwent a slightly more rigorous training session compared to his stablemates on Tuesday.

"We have to make sure he doesn't get too fresh," Waller advised. "He was very fresh in the Golden Rose and subsequently he led and went too quick. He can go forward and roll and may be get a sit and conserve some energy, and being a son of Frankel, it is such an important race for him."

Both Diameter and Somethings Burnin' have prior experience at Caulfield, having finished in a one-two formation in the Stutt Stakes (1600m) on September 27.

"He is a very fit horse," Waller stated concerning Diameter. "He was placed in a Group 1 race as a two-year-old so there is a sense of timing there for a son of Brazen Beau which means a lot to us."

"Somethings Burnin', he was narrowly beaten by Diameter the other day. He'll have a gear change (lugging bit on) to give the rider a little more control and if he can conserve a little bit of energy early, he could perhaps make up the difference. It is a race that is so important to colts and a race that we pick out a long way in advance."

With the field set, Australian betting sites are offering competitive odds on the Caulfield Guineas.