Chris Waller was forced to sweat on a photo earlier in the day but had less cause for concern when Fangirl and stablemate Lindermann fought out the finish of the $1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick.

Fangirl ($2.05 fav) was declared the narrowest of winners over Lindermann ($5), though Waller admitted he initially thought the latter had prevailed. “I actually thought Lindermann had won but when it’s the stablemate fighting out the photo finish you’re not too concerned. Great result,” Waller said.

The trainer praised both gallopers. “Lindermann was rolling along at pretty good sectionals and I thought he’d be vulnerable late, but he kept fighting hard. Full credit to Fangirl and James (McDonald). James saved some ground and it’s a pretty quick track today.”

The mare made it back-to-back wins in the race, putting behind her an unplaced run in the Memsie Stakes when she struggled at Caulfield. “Her run was fine. She just got lost at Caulfield. She loves Randwick and she loves the mile,” Waller said.

Next stop will be the King Charles III Stakes over 1600m, a race Fangirl won two years ago. McDonald said: “She’s so good, I love her dearly. She’s a thrill to ride, a line chaser, she gives her heart every time.”

Rawiller was equally pleased with Lindermann’s tenacity: “I thought Fangirl had us cold at the 100 metres but I loved the way he kept coming. Very proud of him.”

Ceolwulf ($4) finished two lengths away in third with Chad Schofield saying: “We had the run I wanted. Travelled well. He was honest up the straight.”

The 7 Stakes was the second tight finish for Waller on the Randwick card, after Birdman edged out Adelaide River in the Kingston Town Stakes.