Waller weighs skipping downgraded Metropolitan with Pinhole

Chris Waller Racing may bypass Saturday’s downgraded Metropolitan with Pinhole and wait for the Herbert Power after the stayer’s win last weekend.

Pinhole faces a seven-day back-up and barrier 13 in the 2400-metre Randwick race on October 3.

“If it was a Group 1, he’d be running. It’s Group 2. I’m thinking we hold him back, go to the Herbert Power. We’ll make that decision closer to Saturday,” the stable said in its race preview.

The Metropolitan lost its Group 1 status after Racing NSW did not proceed with proposed changes to its conditions. The Asian Pattern Committee had supported retaining the classification for 2026/27 only if those changes were implemented.

Soul Of Spain, drawn in barrier 6 with James McDonald booked, is expected to remain in Sydney rather than take up his Turnbull Stakes engagement at Flemington.

The stable is leaning towards Flemington’s Bart Cummings for Valiant King, who has also accepted for The Metropolitan.

Waller has seven of the 19 Epsom Handicap acceptors, headed by Autumn Boy, who has barrier 1 and 55.5kg.

The stable said a strong contest would suit Autumn Boy, who is travelling from Melbourne with McDonald booked to ride.

Lady Shenandoah’s participation remains undecided after drawing barrier 16 with 55kg. The stable was pleased with her Rupert Clarke Stakes run, when she gave weight to every horse that beat her.

God’s Window is set to provide Sienna Grima with her first Group 1 ride. He carries 50kg, with the stable describing him as “a sneaky chance” after his first-up run.