Waller delays Aeliana and Lindermann call as Joker’s Grin misses The Shorts
Final fields and barriers will shape Chris Waller’s team, with Autumn Glow set for Randwick and two stablemates entered in Sydney and Melbourne.
Chris Waller will wait for final fields and barriers before deciding whether Aeliana and Lindermann race in Sydney or Melbourne on Saturday.
Both are nominated for the $1 million Group 1 Underwood Stakes over 1800 metres at Caulfield and the Group 2 7 Stakes over 1600 metres at Randwick. Waller said prize money would be central to determining which race gave each horse the better opportunity.
“As much as we love winning Group 1s, we’re well represented in both races,” Waller told SENTrack. “I’ve got to put the owner’s cap on and say, well, where do they want to go and where are they going to get the best prize money?”
Lindermann won the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes after controlling the race in front, but Waller expects more pressure in either assignment. Autumn Glow would provide the main obstacle at Randwick, while the Underwood is expected to produce a more contested lead.
Aeliana’s longer-term targets are the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. Waller said a wide Underwood barrier would make him more inclined to keep the Australian Derby winner in Sydney this week.
Autumn Glow is confirmed for the 7 Stakes after connections ruled out The Everest in favour of a 1600-metre campaign.
The reigning Australian Racehorse of the Year completed a 1000-metre exhibition gallop at Rosehill last Saturday, running her final 600 metres in 36.53 seconds. Waller said seeing the mare work at close range had made a strong impression.
The Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on October 17 remains her next major target, with a possible Flemington appearance during Melbourne Cup Week.
Meanwhile, Joker’s Grin will miss the $1 million Group 2 Shorts after recording a temperature on Tuesday morning.
Waller said the setback was minor and hoped the gelding could return the following week. The stable immediately isolates horses showing a temperature, sends them to a farm or paddock and conducts blood tests before resuming training.
“He’ll miss Saturday, but hopefully we’ve got him back next week,” Waller said.
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