Waller packs punch in Group 1 double
CHAMPION trainer Chris Waller’s numerical dominance has never been more absolute than at Randwick tomorrow.
In an unprecedented show of stable strength, the Hall of Fame trainer is saddling up eight runners in both the $1 million Epsom Handicap (1600) and the $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m).
And the bookies have Waller poised to complete the rare Epsom-Metropolitan Group 1 double, a feat he achieved with He’s Your Man and Opinion in 2014.
Waller’s Epsom army includes Ladbrokes favourites D’Argento ($4.20) and Unforgotten ($4.50), plus Shillelagh, Single Gaze, Mister Sea Wolf, Religify, Tom Melbourne and Paret.
In The Metropolitan, the Waller stable is represented by favourite Brimham Rocks ($5), Libran, Patrick Erin, Alward, The Lord Mayor, High Bridge, Opposition and Jake’s Hill.
Waller, who is aiming for his fourth Epsom in five years after wins with Boban (2013), He’s Your Man (2014) and Winx (2015), is finding it hard to split D’Argento and Unforgotten in particular.
“I can’t fault the way D’Argento has come through his last start run,’’ Waller said of the four-year-old’s closing second behind Home Of The Brave in the Theo Marks Stakes.
“He’s a very good horse drawn well (barrier one) and it gives James McDonald every chance to get him to switch off and settle.
“This horse has a great turn of foot as was evident on Tuesday morning when he let down strongly at the end of his gallop. I’m really excited by his chances.’’
Unforgotten, winner of the ATC Australian Oaks this year, is attempting to become the first to win the Chelmsford Stakes-Epsom Handicap double since Filante in 1996.
Waller said Unforgotten was well suited under the handicap scale with 52.5kg.
“Her work is very good and she has trialled nicely since her Chelmsford win,’’ he said.
“We are yet to make plans after (tomorrow) but I’m thinking the Caulfield Stakes next for her.’’
Of his other runners, Waller said Group 1 winner Shillelagh ($21) was going better than ever and he was hopeful of an improving track for the mare in tomorrow’s big race.
Mister Sea Wolf ($26) goes to the Epsom off successive wins in the Winter Challenge and Rowley Mile.
“He has been a revelation finding form and winning his last two in easier races,’’ Waller said.