Chris Waller bolsters his Golden Slipper lineup once more, parading unbeaten colt Fireball to claim a sophisticated first-up prize in the $2 million Inglis Millennium at Randwick.
Back after resting post his Rosehill debut win in November, the $4.60 favourite owned by James Harron drove externally to thwart Ghana’s Akan ($17) by a narrow half-length margin, Alibaba ($26) trailing by another head for third.
Saturday’s feat impressed Waller most for Fireball’s demonstration of untapped prowess, hinting at untapped speed ahead.
“He will get stronger, and he’ll get faster. He’s got the frame, he is well bred,” Waller said of the son of Snitzel.
“He hasn’t been wound up to get to today. He wasn’t even going to run unless he drew a nice barrier. I was more than happy to wait and just bide our time.”
In addition, Waller’s stable features Hidrix, Canonbury Stakes conqueror, bound for the $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m), likely via the Silver Slipper (1100m) on February 21, leading Waller to plan distinct paths for the colts.
Fireball merits a tailored approach, positioning him as a legitimate aspirant for the top juvenile event.
“We’re starting to work them out, which is good,” Waller said.
“The Silver Slipper is in two weeks and we’re in no rush. We got a few colts we can now sit back and split up a little bit and 1200 metres, I think will suit him better, so one of those (1200 metre) ones coming up.”
James McDonald applauded the Waller team’s confidence in Fireball ahead of the testing Inglis Millennium (1100m) with its substantial lineup.
“I’ve been saying all week to Chris that the colt is a bit of a ‘dummy’ and I wasn’t sure if he was ready for a test like this,” McDonald said.
“But great credit to Chris, he had faith in the colt and said, ‘he is a very nice horse, as you will see when he is put under pressure’.”
“He was put under pressure today and we saw how well he responded.”
Craig Newitt praised Alibaba’s bold Sydney introduction as Blue Diamond Preview winner, storming late with intent.
“He was unbelievable. On his Melbourne leg the whole race,” Newitt said.
“We were strung up in traffic, and he smashed the line. He’s a genuine Group One colt. The racing betting markets offered plenty for the Inglis Millennium excitement.
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