Trainer Chris Waller holds no illusions about toppling elite fillies Tempted and Apocalyptic but predicts gritty efforts from his charges Karinska and Panova in the Group One Surround Stakes at Randwick.

At lengthy double-figure odds for Saturday’s premier three-year-old contest, Waller seeks strong closing sections from both with the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) firmly in sight for their following start.

Last spring’s Group 1 mile placer Karinska ran on well for fifth behind rival Savvy Hallie in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and lurks as a $34 outsider continuing to evade much attention in the Surround.

“She is under-rated. That’s not saying she can beat those good horses, it’s a very good edition,” Waller said.

“We’re not expecting too much, but if she’s running top five than we’re on track to finding our own way somewhere.”

Her handler has nominated the March 14 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill – where fillies have delivered all eight of his 11-year haul of wins – as the immediate priority.

Panova, a $17 hope, matches that plan, making her Group 1 bow after powering home for Group 3 doubles in the Reginald Allen (1400m) and Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) to end spring.

Waller buzzes with anticipation for her career arc, keeping options alive for a crack at older rivals in the Coolmore Classic (1500m).

“She will go to the Phar Lap and the Vinery. If she was really impressive in the Phar Lap, she could go to the Coolmore,” he said.

“She is a really good horse. She was impressive in those two wins. She came from well back in each of them.”

“She is still carrying a bit of weight, but Saturday is a great starting point.”

James Mcdonald guided Panova through her two most recent trials and holds the booking aboard the unexposed filly Saturday.

Waller’s Surround Stakes history lacks his customary firepower, registering triumphs only with Hinged in 2022 and Lady Shenandoah last year.

Secure the top racing betting markets for the Surround Stakes across premier betting sites.