A year after making a stunning Australian debut in the Ranvet Stakes, Via Sistina has returned to Rosehill to defend her title with another commanding performance.
Since that victory, she has added five more major wins to her record, including a triumph in last year’s Cox Plate, cementing her status as one of the elite horses in training.
Chris Waller, who took over her preparation last year, now fully appreciates the exceptional talent he has in his stable.
“She has lit up our lives,” Waller said.
“Twelve months ago today we didn’t know what we had coming out of quarantine. Obviously, we had a good article and a good horse to work with and a very supportive team with Yulong. They rarely make a mistake in Australian racing.
“She is a star. She is an unassuming horse but come race day she really turns it on.
“You can win Group One races here and there but good horses win them all the time and they’re hard to find.”
With Full Count Felicia setting the early pace, Via Sistina ($1.22 betting favourite) settled midfield under James McDonald before making her move rounding the home turn.
She powered home to reel in stablemate Lindermann ($11) and scored a decisive 1-1/2 length victory, with Fawkner Park ($15) finishing a further half-length behind in third.
Waller confirmed that Via Sistina will now head to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in three weeks, seeking redemption after her runner-up finish to Pride Of Jenni last year.
The trainer was delighted with Saturday’s performance, believing it would set her up perfectly for her next assignment.
“It was perfect,” he said.
“She had an economical run throughout. She was travelling well enough to angle out on the turn, just went through her gears nicely and when the pressure comes into a race, that’s when she knows how to perform.”
“I thought she might have actually got away from us a little bit today so I think there is improvement to come.”
Waller also praised Lindermann for bouncing back strongly after a lackluster run in last week’s Sky High Stakes (2000m) and was confident that Full Count Felicia would take improvement from her tough local debut.
