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...
One to Watch – Wyong
John Sargent is a master trainer when it comes to three year-old fillies with some staying talent and he has a blueblood Pierro filly that is definitely going the right way.
Sword of State Colt Warwoven Primed for G2 Skyline
Unbeaten two-year-old colt Warwoven will be back at the races for the first time since the beginning of January when he lines up in the Gr.2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday for trainer Bjorn Baker.
Anamoe Breeding Right Sold for $450,000
The Inglis Digital February (late) Sale that concluded on Wednesday has a new top lot with Inglis announcing a breeding right to Anamoe has now been sold.
Fast Track 2026/27 Launches Nationally: Applications Now Open
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has officially launched applications for the 2026/27 Fast Track program — a nationally recognised traineeship designed to build the next generation of thoroughbred breeding professionals.
Kingsclere seeking another Derby with Ocean Park Filly
Kingsclere Stables have an exciting week ahead of them, with promising mare She’s A Dealer shooting for black-type at Trentham on Sunday, while six days later the Cambridge barn will hold a strong hand in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 26
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
People at Premier - Off The Bit Thursday
Thursday inspections at Inglis Melbourne Premier have ramped up with vendors reporting “run off our feet” and Maree McEwan has been around talking with the major players, including one farm that’s first-up from a 10 year spell.
MM 2YO Classic Winner O’ Ole Confirmed for MM National Sale
Outstanding filly O' Ole will present breeders and stud farms with a rare opportunity when she is offered as an elite breeding prospect at May's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast.
Premier Power On Show For Blue Gum Farm
With a significant draft of 33 yearlings set to sell at this year’s Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Blue Gum Farm’s tried and tested path of supporting their local sale continues to pay dividends with a host of stakes-winning graduates off the farm as well as numerous Leading Vendor titles over the years.
Supplementary Lots Add Great Quality to March Sales
The quality packed catalogues for two Magic Millions Yearling Sales next month have been further boosted with supplementary catalogues released.