Group II performances pivotal to spring targets

Tom Baddock - Thursday September 21

Chris Waller will use Saturday's results at Rosehill to decide the spring paths of two high class mares.

Advertisement
Omei Sword Photo: Steve Hart

Stakes winners Dawn Wall and Omei Sword will have their immediate future decided by their performances on Saturday.

A winner of the Kembla Grange Classic and the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet last preparation Dawn Wall produced an exceptional first-up performance over 1400m, finishing second behind Washington Heights.

"It was a great first-up run from a horse that did a great job as a three-year-old," Waller said.

"She won two Group races as a three-year-old and stamped her authority so it was no real surprise to see her come back so well.

"She did a really good job as a three-year-old, failed in the Oaks but I don't think she's an extreme distance horse.

"She's draw well in barrier three and Corey Brown rides with 53kg and it's a nice stepping stone to racing against the older horses on the back of a very good first-up run.

"It's a Group II and after this we might aim a bit higher.

"There's no great expectations or pressure but if she was to perform well on Saturday I'd suggest a race like the Toorak would be suitable."

The four-year-old is $3.60 second-favourite with Bet365 to claim win number five, while nominations are yet be released for the Group I Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 14.

Group I placed stablemate Omei Sword has always promised the world but has yet to reach her potential and has raced without luck at her two resuming from a bleeding attack which saw the mare mandatorily spelled.

"Forget her first run, she just about fell and last start she was back last three-wide doing it pretty tough so they are fair excuses," Waller said.

"There's no excuses on Saturday.

"She's drawn well, got a good jockey and the set-weights and penalties will suit so there shouldn't be any excuses.

"Where she goes will depend on her run on Saturday.

"She's one of the better horses that I've trained but she's had a set-back and needs to get the points back on the board."

Omei Sword will jump from barrier two in the Group II Golden Pendent with Hugh Bowman in the saddle and is $4.60 to return to the winner's circle.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Tuesday December 9
Here is the full list of 23 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Ascot
Fresh from Group I success last Saturday with Cosmic Crusader, the Peters Investments colours were back in the winner’s circle at Ascot on Wednesday carried by an Extreme Choice three year-old filly that has stakes potential written all over her.
The Three Hundred Wins $150,000 MM Wyong Stakes
The $150,000 Magic Millions Wyong Stakes (1200m) for three and four year-olds attracted a good field on Thursday with victory going to the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained I Am Invincible gelding The Three Hundred, who has a three-quarter brother headed to MM 2026.
From Last to First - Trapeze Artist 3YO Salutes – Sister 2026 Inglis Premier
Last seen running midfield in the Group I ATC Champagne Stakes won by Nepotism, three year-old Trapeze Artist gelding Michelangelo returned from a lengthy spell at Wyong on Wednesday to score an eye-catching win.
MRC to host Thursday trials at Caulfield Heath
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) continues its official trials program, hosting 92 horses across 12 trials on Thursday 11 December from 7:30am and the juvenile heat features three youngsters by Home Affairs.
Unraced First Season Sire Trial Report
As we move through the summer we can expect to see an increasing number of juvenile barrier trials around the country and this report is a great barometer for what is in the pipeline for our first season sires.
Shares in Group Winners Popular on Magic Millions Digital
Shares in Group One performers Overpass and Within the Law were among the most sought after lots at the latest Magic Millions Digital Sale which concluded on Wednesday.
Exciting Invincible Filly Wins in Town
By champion sire I Am Invincible from Group I winning sprinter Volpe Veloce, lightly raced three year-old filly Lady Verity was a One to Watch when breaking her maiden at Geelong last month and kept up the good  work when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday.
Extremely Impressive – Paradoxium Dominates Wyong MM 2YO Classic
Bjorn Baker has twice previously won the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) with Unencumbered and O’ Ole who both went on to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast and the likable trainer believes he can do it again!
First Aussie Winner for St Marks Basilica
The 2021 European Horse of the Year, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is on the board with his first Australian winner after hot favourite Aristopolos made a winning debut at Launceston on Wednesday evening.