Champion trainer Chris Waller is under no illusion how difficult it will be to win tomorrow afternoon’s Furphy-Railway Stakes (1600m) with stable veteran Yonkers.
The gelding will get his third crack at Group 1 level in the famous Ascot mile, having contested the Australian Cup (2000m) and Doomben Cup (2200m) earlier this year.
Waller, who won the 2015 Railway Stakes with Good Project, said Yonkers had settled in well to his new surrounds at Adam Durrant’s property.
“He travelled over well and everything has gone well since,” Waller told TABradio.
“He’s staying with Adam Durrant, who has got an amazing property.
“He keeps his horses happy, so we are tapping into Adam’s knowledge and just getting him to chill out and stay happy up until race day.”
Yonkers heads into tomorrow’s $1.5 million event off the back of a last start fifth to Star Of India in the $750,000 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).
That run was his only start a good track this campaign.
Prior to the Rosehill Gold Cup, Yonkers finished second to Gunstock in the Group 3 Coongy Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield and fourth to Cascadian in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.
Despite matching it with some of Australia’s best gallopers this campaign, Waller said his charge needed to improve tomorrow.
“We’re just hoping he’s fresh enough and can get momentum from the barrier he will be finishing off strong,” he said.
“He’s a good second-tier horse who we are hoping can lift.
“He needs to run a personal best to win.
“He’s won a lot of prizemoney and a lot of races but has failed in the Group 1 races over here.”
Waller also indicated Yonkers would be better placed under Weight-For-Age conditions in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 3.
Despite Waller’s pessimistic outlook, Yonkers has shown an ability to perform at a high quality in this distance range, taking out the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill last year.
Yonkers drew barrier 11 earlier in the week and has the services of champion WA jockey Paul Harvey.
The seven-year-old is rated a $17 chance with TABtouch, with Alaskan God the $4 favourite.
Listen to Chris Waller here.
