Chris Waller says he holds no concerns about Australia’s best horse Via Sistina resuming on a rain-affected track, provided the Group 1 meeting is run under clear skies.
Via Sistina is one of five Waller-trained acceptors among a field of 12 for the Winx Stakes, the first Group 1 race of the Australian racing season at Randwick on Saturday, run over 1400m.
The Cox Plate winner has compiled an exceptional record under Waller since arriving in Australia last year with the only blot on her copybook coming on a heavy-rated track in last year’s Makybe Stakes at Flemington.
Waller blamed rain during the meeting for the blemish.
“We just don’t want it to rain on the day (Saturday),” Waller said on his weekly podcast.
“If there’s no rain on the day that track will be fine but if it does rain on Saturday then it won’t be very nice at all.”
Waller says Via Sistina’s overseas form in wet ground, which includes a Royal Ascot victory, is impossible to ignore.
“She’s (also) had a win in France on a soft track and win at Newmarket on a soft track. Surely that would be similar to a heavy track here.”
Waller has also accepted with 2023 winner Fangirl, ATC Australian Derby victress Aeliana, middle-distance performer Lindermann and Full Count Felicia.
Via Sistina has opened as a $2.80 favourite to make it back-to-back Winx wins.