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| Staff Writer |
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Chris Waller got off to a fantastic start to the racing season as his talented horse, Fangirl, claimed victory in the highly-anticipated Winx Stakes last Saturday. This impressive win could very well be an early indication of a prosperous spring ahead for the esteemed master trainer.
Having proven his prowess on the racecourse, Waller eagerly shared insights into his stable's lineup of potential contenders for the upcoming spring races. With a string of promising horses in his care, the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable.
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr have a potential contender for the upcoming Cox Plate in their stable - a 5YO gelding named El Bodegon. Despite being considered an outsider, El Bodegon is listed at odds of $101 for the grand final race on 28th October.
In preparation for the Cox Plate, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr have planned a possible program for El Bodegon. The first step in this program was the PB Lawrence race on August 19, where El Bodegon finished 13th. Although this result may not have been ideal, the trainers are determined to continue their campaign.
The next race in line for El Bodegon is the Feehan Stakes, scheduled for September 9. This race presents another opportunity for the gelding to showcase his abilities and potentially improve upon his previous performance.
While El Bodegon's chances might not be favored by the bookmakers, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr remain hopeful and are working diligently to prepare him for the Cox Plate. With careful training and strategic planning, they aim to maximize El Bodegon's potential and surprise the racing world on the grand stage.
Waller, "He's a horse I think goes better left-handed."
Espiona In Top Form: Eyeing Multiple Races
ESPIONA, a 5YO mare, is in great form and has a couple of races coming up. Her trainer, Waller, is considering running her in the Sheraco Stakes on September 9th or the Golden Pendant on September 23rd. There is also a chance she may compete in The Invitation on October 28th, which has a prize of $11. Waller is pleased with her return to racing and is excited to see what she can do this season.
Francesco Guardi: A Melbourne Cup Contender
Francesco Guardi, a 6YO gelding, could potentially participate in the Melbourne Cup with odds of $15. He may also participate in the Winx Stakes, Makybe Diva Stakes, Turnbull Stakes, and Caulfield Cup. Waller, the horse's trainer, believes that Francesco Guardi has the right profile for an Australian Melbourne Cup horse and is confident that he will do well in the lead-up races.
Hinged, a 5YO mare, could potentially participate in the Champions Stakes with odds of $26. She may also participate in the Winx Stakes, Hill Stakes, and Craven Plate. Waller believes that Hinged has been an unlucky horse in her career and should not be forgotten.
Exciting Kovalica: A Horse To Watch
Kovalica, a 4YO gelding, could potentially participate in the Cox Plate with odds of $26 or the Golden Eagle with odds of $15. He may also participate in the Tramway Stakes, Epsom Handicap, and King Charles Stakes. Waller believes that Kovalica is an exciting horse and is in for a good prep.
Lindermann: A Genuine Weight-For-Age Contender
Lindermann, a 4YO horse, could potentially participate in the Cox Plate with odds of $51 or the Golden Eagle with odds of $26. He may also participate in the Winx Stakes, Epsom Handicap, and King Charles Stakes. Waller believes that Lindermann is a genuine weight-for-age horse.
Militarize, a 3YO colt, could potentially participate in the Caulfield Guineas with odds of $4.50 or the Cox Plate with odds of $26. He may also participate in the Run To The Rose and Golden Rose. Waller believes that Militarize is more of a Guineas horse but is open to trying him against weight-for-age horses in the spring.
Montefilia, a 6YO mare, could potentially participate in the Cox Plate with odds of $26. She may also participate in the Winx Stakes, Chelmsford Stakes, and Hill Stakes. Waller believes that Montefilia is a quality mare and has come back well for her age.
Among Waller's notable spring hopefuls is the exceptional Fangirl, whose recent triumph in the Winx Stakes has undoubtedly elevated her status as a force to be reckoned with. This talented mare has showcased her immense potential, leaving racing enthusiasts eager to witness her future success.
Additionally, Waller revealed several other talented horses that could make a significant impact during the spring carnival. These contenders include the highly-regarded sprinter Nature Strip, known for his blistering speed and track dominance. With his exceptional form and Waller's expert guidance, Nature Strip is expected to be a formidable presence in the upcoming races.
Looking at the potential grand finals and programs for three of Waller's horses, it seems like the competition will be fierce in the upcoming races. Osipenko, Shinzo, and Zougotcha are all strong contenders, with Waller hoping to have two or three horses in the Makybe Diva Stakes with Osipenko being a leading one. Shinzo has untapped potential and could be an Everest contender if he shows enough speed in the spring, while Zougotcha's potential lies in whether she's a genuine sprinter or a miler. It'll be interesting to see how they perform in their respective programs and if they make it to their grand finals, the Cox Plate, Golden Rose, or Golden Eagle.