Latest News

By Brad Gray

Nothing but quotes from Chris Waller who gives punters an insight into his stable's key runners heading into Saturday's meeting at Royal Randwick.

Sayed ($1.55 TAB) - R2 Randwick Mayor's Cup (2400m) “It’s a tough ask with 61kg over 2400m regardless of the grade. It’s a big weight and takes its toll. To be a genuine Metropolitan contender he should be able to carry it though. I just hope it doesn’t take too much out of him.”

“He looks terrific and has coped very well with his workload.”

Comin’ Through ($3.60 TAB) - R4 Broccolini Handicap (1400m) “It’s the first time I can call him a mature horse. He was one of the first horses into our stable as a two-year-old thinking he’d be like his brother Criterion and be a top notch two-year-old but he was just still immature physically. He has finally developed into a man and we should see the benefit of a stronger horse.”

“Now is his year to shine. He has just turned four and he is Group One placed. He just needs to get that Group One win like his brother.”

Calculated ($3.50 TAB) - R5 G3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) “Being a handicap has given me the confidence to run him. It’s bit unfair on the better performed horses but it’s great for the horses that are coming through. It’ll still be hard to win but it gives Calculated the chance to be competitive.”

“Originally I was going to run him in the Ming Dynasty next week but when I saw the noms I thought it was a good opportunity.”

Antonio Giuseppe ($19 TAB) - R6 G2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) “I rushed his autumn prep and he had to race second up on very wet track which I reckon flattened him. From there the rest of the preparation was a disaster. We won’t make the same mistake.”

“He starts over 1400, then go to 1600m in the Chelmsford, the Kingston Town over 2000m and then you’ll see him in the Metrop fourth-up. That’s his race.”

"When horses perform well fresh early in their career it can be a little bit misleading because the intensity of a race with a horse like Winx in it is completely different. We’ll be allowing him to charge to the line first up.”

Winx ($1.07 TAB) - R6 G2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) “I’ve spoken to her regular track rider Ben Cadden and he said she feels fit and is an all-round product now as before she was always a little light. Her body language suggests she is a very happy horse and still has the enthusiasm to race so we’re looking forward to the year ahead.”

“She is just a natural athlete and seems to get herself out of problems so whether she is back, forward or wide she copes with all situations.”

“Her determination is something very special. It’s as if she wants to be a winner.”

Foxplay ($18 TAB) - R6 G2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) “She has come back so much stronger and quite a bit heavier so I’m mindful about that first up but her big heart has certainly helped her out in a few of her wins.”

“I wouldn’t be too concerned about the way she has been trialling and where she has been finishing because she certainly runs well ahead of what you’d expect. It’s a shame she has to take on Winx first up but the other option was carrying 60kg in the Show County and for a smaller horse, despite her being stronger, is still tough.”

Omei Sword ($2.30 TAB) - R8 G3 Show County Quality (1200m) “She had a few issues in the autumn but if we can have a trouble free preparation with her, she is going to end up being a Group One winner.”

“Saturday will be a good guide and obviously you’d expect her to win if The Everest was in our thoughts. She has no excuses from a weights perceptive or a barrier draw perspective so it’s up to her to prove herself.”

Check out the fields, form and replays Royal Randwick on Saturday