Waller changes things up in Coolmore Classic

Chris Waller is approaching the Coolmore Classic from a different angle to most Sydney Group One races he has targeted this season.

Waller has had runners in eight of the nine Sydney Group Ones decided in 2015-2016, supplying five favourites and a close second pick on his way to collecting four wins.

But in Amicus and Telepathic he will be relying on two mares quoted at double-figure odds to bring his all-conquering stable Coolmore Classic success for the first time.

They are lesser lights in a stable of stars yet Waller warns it would be foolish to ignore their chances, even if bookmakers are not so sure about their bona fides.

Amicus has enjoyed success at Group One level with her win in the 2014 Thousand Guineas and Telepathic is no slouch, confirmed in her first-up placing to First Seal in the Millie Fox Stakes.

Waller said a wide draw ensured Amicus would figure in a switch in riding tactics after the mare finished down the course in the Guy Walter Stakes.

“We’ll go back on her. She was disappointing last start (but) she had no luck whatsoever, put a line through that,” he said.

A winner of the Breeders’ Classic when resuming early last month, Amicus will be reunited with Tim Clark who rode the mare into fourth place in last year’s Coolmore.

Waller rates Telepathic as a genuine lightweight threat with Jason Collett taking the ride.

Kept fresh after a summer campaign that included a Listed win over 2000m, Telepathic ran out of her skin over an unsuitable 1300m to finish within a length of First Seal.

“She is a knockout chance. Her run behind First Seal three weeks was fantastic. She should get a lovely run and she should be in the finish,” Waller said.

Waller’s best Coolmore result came three years ago when Red Tracer was beaten a nostril by Appearance while crowd pleaser Catkins finished in the minor placing as a beaten favourite in 2014.

Coolmore favouritism belongs to unbeaten Godolphin filly Ghisoni, but money has flowed strongly for Victorian mare Azkadellia since the barrier draw.

Impressive in winning the Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield at her most recent start, Azkadellia has firmed from $7 to $5.50 while there has been support for Lucia Valentina to run well first-up.

 

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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