Chris Waller has long been the master of transforming European imports into Australian stars, but his stable is now eyeing a new frontier — turning American-bred gallopers into Group-level winners.
With Europe’s bloodstock market becoming increasingly competitive, Waller and other major operations have begun sourcing talent from the United States. Several American imports — including Yulong-owned mares Moira, Full Count Felicia and River Of Stars — have already joined the Waller yard, with River Of Stars managing to place at Group 1 level in the Sydney Cup.
Other success stories have come from Tulloch Lodge, which trained former American mare Con Te Partiro to win the 2020 Coolmore Classic and Queen Of The Turf Stakes, and claimed this year’s Canterbury Stakes with Royal Patronage, who arrived via the US from Europe.
Now, Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth hopes their latest recruit, Pounce, can follow suit.
“They’ve done a pretty good job, the American horses, in recent years,” Duckworth said. “Yulong has given us a few mares like Moira and Full Count Felicia, so we’ve had a small sample. It’s always interesting to see how their form stacks up here. She (Pounce) certainly looks like she’s going to make the grade.”
A two-time Group winner over a mile in the US, Pounce will debut for Waller in The Nivison (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday, where Adam Hyeronimus takes the reins from barrier four. Duckworth expects her to improve as she steps up in trip but says she’s adapted quickly to her new surroundings.
“Once she gets up over a suitable distance, she’ll be a genuine contender over here,” he said. “She hasn’t missed a beat since arriving — it’s just a matter of whether 1200 metres is a bit short.”
Pounce is owned by American businessman John Stewart’s Resolute Racing, the same team that famously bid on Winx’s first foal. Duckworth said her Rosehill run would help shape future plans.
“She’s a multiple Group Three winner, so we’ll be trying to add more black type to her page,” he said.
Pounce was rated a $15 chance on Thursday, with Gangsta Granny the $2.80 favourite.
For the latest odds and offers for The Nivison, visit Australia’s best betting sites.
