Chris Waller is contemplating whether to pit his mare Aeliana against stablemate Autumn Glow in the 7 Stakes at Randwick or send her to Melbourne for a Group 1 contest at Caulfield. The decision is anticipated later this week.
Aeliana is set to be entered for both the 7 Stakes (1600m) and the Underwood Stakes (1800m). Waller is leaning towards keeping her closer to home, pending the outcome of the barrier draw.
“We’re going to accept for the Underwood and the 7 Stakes, and then make a decision,” Waller stated.
“I’m happy to give her one more run at home to make sure everything is perfect and then probably join up in Melbourne for the Turnbull (Stakes).”
“If she was drawing an even gate in both places, she will probably stay in Sydney. If she draws better in Melbourne in the Underwood, she’ll go to the Underwood.”
The multiple Group 1 winner was scratched from the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday. Instead, she was given a 1000m solo workout between races at Rosehill.
With Zac Lloyd aboard, Aeliana completed the distance in 1:09.49, running her final 600m in 36.53s. Her overall time was nearly five seconds slower than Autumn Glow, who also worked over the same journey.
Waller was pleased with the performance from both mares, noting that Autumn Glow carried more condition and required a more solid gallop.
“She’s very forward, Aeliana. If she’s going to run over a mile, I still want to keep her sharp, so I didn’t want her to do too much. Autumn Glow does well between runs,” he commented.
Lindermann, the recent winner of the Chelmsford Stakes, will also be nominated for both Sydney and Melbourne races. Like Aeliana, the barrier draw is likely to be the deciding factor for his itinerary.
“Lindermann will be in a similar boat to Aeliana. He’ll be nominated for the Underwood and here,” Waller said.
“It would be exciting to run him in a Group One race, but the 7 Stakes is still worth a lot of money, and he’s a gelding.”
“He’s still building himself up. He had a soft mile last start, he’s ready for a strong mile, so it’s just weighing it up.”
The Randwick meeting is also scheduled to host The Shorts (1100m), a race that will feature several key contenders for The Everest. Among them is the Waller-trained Joliestar, making her debut appearance since finishing second at Royal Ascot in June. The final decision for Aeliana’s target race is heavily dependent on the barrier draw. Check out the latest racing betting markets for these upcoming events.