By Ray Hickson
The new owners of the Chris Waller-trained Quick Defence could recoup their purchase price if the former import happens to win at Rosehill on Saturday in what will be his first run for the connections and potential swansong from the Waller yard.
The seven-year-old, who was recently sold by online auction for $50,000, is one of four Waller runners in the Fairfield RSL Club Handicap (2000m) which is worth a touch over $53,000 to the winner.
One of the new owners is Longford trainer John Blacker so it seems that Quick Defence is headed to the Apple Isle.
“He’s on his way to Tasmania, he’s just going to have one start as far as I know,’’ Waller said on his stable update video.
The gelding has won four races in the two years he’s been in the Waller machine, including back-to-back wins at Randwick and Canterbury in the late summer, and placed another nine times.
Quick Defence runs fifth at Rosehill Gardens on July 28
He was beaten three lengths, as a $41 chance, by stablemate Raqeeq over the Rosehill 2000m two weeks ago and is an $8 chance with TAB on Saturday.
Punters Intel data out of his last start performance showed Quick Defence ran the fastest sectional from the 400m-200m (11.39) and the fastest last 600m of 34.54.
Waller elected not to claim away from Quick Defence’s 61kg, he drops a couple of classes on last start and jumps from the inside alley.
“His last start run was good,’’ Waller said.
“We haven’t claimed, we’ve gone with the senior rider (Tommy Berry), and I guess he will run a cheeky race in a moderate event.’’
Last start winner Trafalgar ($6), honest middle distance galloper Estikhraaj ($5) and ex-Kiwi The Macallan ($4.80) accompany Quick Defence around the Rosehill 2000m.
Waller’s comments on the stablemates:
Trafalgar: “He’s going well, this track and distance should suit him, he’s drawn well, and I’m expecting a big run again from him.’’
Estikhraaj: “He was very unlucky last Saturday (at Doomben) and the extra distance will suit.’’
The Macallan: He was probably a touch disappointing last start, maybe we rode him a touch close. It might be time to ride him a bit quieter and let him go through his gears and finish off.’’
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's meeting at Rosehill Gardens