Mare on trial for Plate run

CHRIS Waller is keeping his options open for the remainder of Unforgotten’s spring campaign after she runs in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes.

The Waller-trained D’Argento and Unforgotten filled the minor placings in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick behind Hartnell and the stablemates will clash again in Saturday’s 2000m weight-for-age Caulfield Stakes.

Unforgotten’s performance will be telling as to where she heads next.

“Her run will determine where she goes next, and there is an outside chance she could go to the Caulfield Cup a week later,” Waller said.

“She will probably head to either the Cox Plate if she wins, or the Myer if I thought she was looking for something easier to finish off the preparation.”

A tilt at the Cox Plate would mean a clash with champion stablemate Winx, who is the short-priced favourite to win the weight-for-age race at Moonee Valley for an unprecedented fourth time.

The Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington for fillies and mares is on November 3, a week after the Cox Plate.

Winner of this year’s ATC Australian Oaks, Unforgotten was at $13 in the TAB’s Caulfield Cup market yesterday with her stablemate Youngstar favourite at $5.

Waller said he could not be happier with how Unforgotten had come through her third in the Epsom.

“She is a very good horse but she is racing against some seasoned weight-for-age campaigners here,” he said.

“However I feel she will certainly be in the finish.”

The Caulfield Stakes has a significant international presence but the Waller-trained pair head the market with D’Argento, who has the outside barrier, the $4.80 favourite ahead of Unforgotten at $5.

D’Argento won the Rosehill Guineas over 2000m in the autumn.

“He is ready for the 2000m and went to Caulfield on Tuesday morning and got around the track without any issues, so he just needs an ounce of luck and he will show his class,” Waller said.