Chris Waller will wait until later in the week to decide how many barn mates join star mare Autumn Glow in the Group One Winx Stakes, but the champion trainer is certain to be heavily represented.
Waller sent six of his carnival contingent around in exhibition gallops at Rosehill on Saturday, four of which are likely to be nominated for next weekend’s 1400m feature, including Autumn Glow.
“Whatever is ready to run, will run, so there will be a lot. It’s just such an important starting point,” Waller said from Rosehill.
“Not many of them could probably beat a horse like Autumn Glow, but when you’ve got horses like Beiwacht, anything is possible.
“They’re all well prepared. They’ve been trialling for a number of weeks now.
“Today was an important stepping stone for me and the horses just to see exactly where they are seven days out from a very big race day.”
James McDonald partnered Autumn Glow, who stretched out strongly in her solo workout between races, and the top hoop came away with a glowing report.
“She is ready to go,” McDonald said.
“She seems to be working really well. Every bit of work she has done, she has come on, worked a bit sharper and sharper.”
Beiwacht and Lady Shenandoah also galloped on their own, and Waller confirmed both would be among the Winx Stakes (1400m) entries, while ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Campione D’Italia is likely to head to the Show County Quality (1200m) on the undercard.
Buckaroo, French import Barnavara and Autumn Boy worked together on Saturday, although only the latter is likely to run in the Winx.
Buckaroo is set to resume in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a week later, while Waller will tweak Barnavara’s gear after she galloped aggressively.
Aeliana, Fangirl, Lindermann and Angel Capital are also likely Winx Stakes nominations for Waller, although Angel Capital is expected to join Buckaroo in the Melbourne.
After suffering an earlier campaign setback, Aeliana pleased Waller with her barrier trial effort on Friday and remains firmly in the Winx Stakes mix.
“She will definitely be in the ‘noms’,” he said.
“She only trialled (on Friday) because of the setback, but I think over 850 (metres), she was sharp enough, which is what I wanted to see.”
