Chris Waller will make James McDonald ride Turnbull Stakes favourite Via Sistina on Saturday despite the star jockey preferring to stay in Sydney.
Waller confirmed it was McDonald’s preference to ride favorite Autumn Glow in the Epsom Handicap instead, but was overruled.
“He has to stick with Via [Sistina]. He was keen to stay in Sydney, but I think when you’ve got a horse like Via, who’s the Australian Horse of the Year, he’s had so much success on her,” he told racing.com.
“I just thought it was important after her last start run that he stays with her, and otherwise we’re having to change jockey, get back on track, and, yes, it’s a hard one for the jockey, but Coach made the decision for him.”
Via Sistina, Aeliana and Buckaroo all at worked at Flemington on Tuesday.
“[Via Sistina] worked really well. We didn’t ask her to do too much. She’s been working steadily most mornings, twice a week, and comes through the Makybe Diva run really well.”
Waller said remains he bullish on Aeliana, who has done slightly more work than her stable mate.
“Yeah, she’s running next to one of the greatest in Via Sistina and beat her home last start. So that’s how she’s going. And stepping up to 2,000 metres is a big plus for Aeliana. And she even gets a couple of kilos off her as well,” he said.
“Three fit horses well into their preparations now – Via, Aeliana getting close to their peak fitness and I suppose Buckaroo as well.”
“Of the three, Aeliana was asked to do a little bit more, the other two more maintenance work.”
“Hard to say one was working better than the other, all three are heading towards their targets in good style.”
“Buckaroo we’d be keen to hold back to Caulfield for the Might And Power, he runs so well there.”
