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| Staff Writer |
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Chris Waller's presence in Melbourne for the Group One season opener is a testament to the horse's impeccable credentials. Waller last had representation in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in 2015, where Boban achieved a narrow victory and Weary (Fr) finished fourth. In the seven years that followed, Waller concentrated on the early Group One races in Sydney. However, he will have dual representation this time, with Osipenko and Princess Grace on Saturday.
Both horses participated in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 19 and made it to the business end of the race. Princess Grace finished second to stablemate Fangirl, while Osipenko was only one-and-a-quarter lengths away in fifth place. The pair are the only Memsie runners to have started their campaigns in Sydney before heading to Melbourne for the spring opener. Osipenko and Princess Grace have drawn next to each other in barriers two and three respectively.
Osipenko has a good track record, having finished seventh in the Gr.3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) before taking third place to Golden Mile in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). The horses' trainers and jockeys have expressed confidence and excitement in their horses' chances in the Memsie Stakes.
The Memsie Stkes is a prestigious horse racing event that takes place annually at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. It is a weight-for-age race over a distance of 1400 metres and is the first Group One race of the season in Australia. The race was first held in 1899 and has since become a significant event in Australian horse racing, attracting some of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world.
Horse racing enthusiasts and experts eagerly await the Memsie Stakes, as it sets the tone for the rest of the spring racing season. It is a race that requires skill, experience, and impeccable credentials, as only the best horses can win. The Memsie Stakes is one of the most sought-after prizes in Australian horse racing, and the horses, trainers, and jockeys who compete in it are among the finest in the world.
In conclusion, Chris Waller's dual representation in the Memsie Stakes with Osipenko (NZ) and Princess Grace (USA) is a testament to the horses' exceptional credentials. The horses have a good track record, and their trainers and jockeys are confident in their chances. The Memsie Stakes is a prestigious event in Australian horse racing, and the horses, trainers, and jockeys who participate in it are among the best in the world. Horse racing enthusiasts and experts eagerly await the Memsie Stakes, as it sets the tone for the rest of the spring racing season.
"Osipenko drew wide first-up [at Randwick] and he ran home really well," Waller said. "I'm hoping he's still sharp enough second-up for the 1400 metres, but he ran third in the Caulfield Guineas, so he gets around Caulfield well."
The Royal Road To Victory: Waller Paves The Way
Chris Waller, the champion horse trainer, has gifted England's Royal family with a horse racing trophy from Australia. Having already presented the King's horse, Chalk Stream (GB), with the Australia Day Cup silverware in January, Waller is now hoping to prepare the gelding to win them another trophy this spring.
During his trip to Royal Ascot in June, Waller had the opportunity to meet King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. The trainer expressed how special it was to meet the royals, and how they recognised the importance of Chalk Stream's win and were honoured to receive the trophy.
Chalk Stream was the King's first Australian winner, and after kicking off his latest campaign earlier this month, the gelding will head to Randwick for Saturday's Sydney City Lexus CTC Cup. Although he has mixed his form since arriving in Australia from England 18 months ago, Chalk Stream has undeniable ability, and his Australia Day Cup win did come over the same journey second-up last campaign.
"It's the right distance," Waller said. "He's a hard horse to prepare because he's not competitive over shorter, so we've done the best we can and I think he's pretty fit."