James McDonald is set to reunite with Via Sistina as the Cox Plate champion seeks to turn the tables on her talented stablemate Fangirl in Saturday’s Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick.

Via Sistina, who finished third in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) under Kerrin McEvoy, will have McDonald back in the saddle for the first time since their triumph in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at Flemington last November.

Trainer Chris Waller believes the additional 200m in Saturday’s race will benefit Via Sistina, though he sees this as Fangirl’s best opportunity to hold her ground before her stablemate steps up to 2000m.

“Fangirl will be tough to beat,” Waller said. “She’s at her best second-up and should be right at her peak.”

“She’s more of a sprinter-miler, whereas Via Sistina is suited to distances from a mile to 2000 metres.

“The quicker the tempo, the better it will be for Via Sistina. Hopefully, there’s more speed in the race, and she doesn’t get caught on the fence. She’ll be close to her peak, though 2000m would be ideal for her.”

Fangirl has drawn barrier five, while Via Sistina will jump from gate eight in a field of nine for the Verry Elleegant Stakes.

Waller will also saddle up Apollo Stakes runner-up Lindermann (barrier seven) and first-up stayer Land Legend (barrier one), while Joe Pride’s Ceolwulf (barrier nine) is expected to pose a strong challenge.

The Verry Elleegant Stakes is one of two Group 1 events at Randwick this Saturday. Waller will have five contenders in the $750,000 Surround Stakes (1400m), including race favourite Lady Shenandoah, who will break from barrier three under James McDonald.

With Autumn Glow not among the final acceptors, Waller’s runners also include Amelita (barrier 11), Delichy Boulevard (barrier eight), Lazzura (barrier one), and Kiwi Group 1 placegetter Movin’ Out (barrier seven).