Chris Waller believes his star mare Fangirl is perfectly placed to win this year’s star-studded Group 1 Memsie Stakes – if luck and a favourable barrier draw go her way.
The champion trainer flew to Melbourne to oversee Fangirl’s gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday.
“She just had a look around, that was the reason for coming,” Waller said. “She’s pretty fit. She was ready to race last week. She’s had two trials and a raceday gallop.
“She travelled down on Saturday night, settled in well at the Flemington stables, and had a good look this morning. She changed legs at the right time and had a bit of a look up the straight, as you’d expect, but I’m very happy.”
Waller pointed to her strong fresh record and ideal distance as key advantages for Saturday’s 1400-metre contest. Fangirl was scratched from last weekend’s Winx Stakes at Randwick due to heavy rain.
“I think 1400 metres is close to her best distance, 1400 into a mile,” he said. “She’s always on her game, but track conditions are key. Some of her first-up runs were on soft or heavy tracks, and she’s nowhere near as effective. The quicker, the better. I think she’s got the right profile for Caulfield. She’s won in Victoria before.”
Fangirl is back with a bang! 🩷
Beats both Via Sistina and Ceolwulf in the Apollo Stakes! @cwallerracing pic.twitter.com/44sGQPLMnQ
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 15, 2025
A four-time Group 1 winner, Fangirl faces tough competition this year.
“Looking at the opposition Mr Brightside, Tom Kitten, Treasurethe Moment, it’s a strong Group 1,” Waller said. “She’s picked a tough year to come down, but she can beat them on her day. Obviously, barrier draws and luck in running can be the difference.”
Fangirl is expected to remain in Melbourne after the Memsie Stakes, with Waller targeting the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes before a return to Sydney for the King Charles III Stakes.
Fangirl is currently $5 with Bet365, with Another Wil holding favouritism at $4.60.
