Waller’s Hungry Heart yearns for the Slipper
CHRIS Waller usually dominates Sydney’s iconic Golden Slipper race meeting.
The Hall of Fame trainer’s mantelpiece is crowded with the Group 1 trophies from seven wins in the George Ryder Stakes, two from The Galaxy, two Rosehill Guineas and one Ranvet Stakes.
But the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) has eluded the training maestro. Waller has prepared an extraordinary 108 Group 1 winners but hasn’t managed even a placegetter in the Golden Slipper.
But Waller might have to make room for an elusive $3.5 million Golden Slipper trophy if his promising filly Hungry Heart can win the world’s richest juvenile race today. Waller doesn’t push his two-year-olds if they are not ready which is why he hasn’t had many Slipper runners over the years.
“The Golden Slipper is a very special race to win,’’ Waller said. “We have lacked firepower in recent years but that’s something I’m not worried about.
“I’m certainly proud of the way our horses continue to improve, they still win Group 1 races as two-year-olds, but often in Queensland [winter carnival]. Most importantly we have less wastage [horse injury] which has been the key to my success.
“Having these older horses perform as three, four, five, six-year-olds and beyond is something my whole team takes a lot of pride in.’’
Waller has not changed his highly successful training methods for Hungry Heart, either, but the filly has deserved her place in the Golden Slipper after an outstanding win in the Skyline Stakes last start.
“Hungry Heart has been prepared no differently and [prepared] with longevity in mind,’’ Waller said. “She has got to this stage on her own ability and she looks to have plenty of it. She has always been an impressive filly.
“She is fit and drawn well. James McDonald is in the saddle after riding five winners last week.’’
Hungry Heart is at $16 in latest TAB Fixed Odds betting behind the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Botttrained Farnan at $4.80.
Unusually, Waller does not have a George Ryder runner today, the race he has made his own over the decade.