During spring, it was Via Sistina leading the way. This time around, Autumn Glow has been the star.
Aeliana has remained overshadowed by two exceptional stablemates through her recent six starts, though on Saturday at Rosehill, the mare emerges prominently in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
In addition to targeting her first triumph post-thrashing ATC Australian Derby rivals a year ago, she could enable James McDonald to tie Damien Oliver’s 129 Group 1 wins Australian record.
McDonald, fresh off victory in the Coolmore Classic last weekend via Lazzura, eyes that one more Group 1 to level with Oliver, commencing his five such rides at Rosehill aboard Aeliana.
Her trainer Chris Waller trusts the mare to supply the champion jockey’s key moment, as do gamblers backing her firmly at $1.65.
“She has come back stronger, and her first two runs have been superb,” Waller said.
“She’s got the best form heading into a Ranvet.
“This time last year, she ran second by a nostril on the same day in the Rosehill Guineas to Broadsiding and came out with an emphatic Derby win.
“She is where she needs to be.”
Aeliana headlines McDonald’s outstanding quintet of Group 1 engagements Saturday, all under Sydney’s champion trainer.
If she falls short for the tying win, Autumn Boy as Rosehill Guineas favourite gives McDonald his prompt opportunity to surpass Oliver, then Autumn Glow, the unbeaten mare, in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
The jockey’s further Group 1 hopes rest on Fireball in the Golden Slipper (1200m) and Generosity in the Galaxy (1100m), both outsiders at double-figure quotes needing shocks.
Potentially Aeliana’s sternest test is barnmate Lindermann ($9), who has notched two wins and two places in four Rosehill 2000m appearances.
After a creditable third on return, the gelding disappointed in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) last time, yet Waller reports full recovery and a battling effort ahead.
“He’s fine. He’s had an ECG and everything is normal so he will definitely be there,” Waller said.
Trinity College, the stable trio’s outsider, brings a Group 3 win at the distance from overseas, with solid training reports since his Aussie bow last month.
Find the top betting sites offering racing odds for the Ranvet Stakes action.