While Chris Waller’s headline horses are preparing for the Winx Stakes, the champion trainer is set to have a presence in Melbourne’s first weight-for-age contest of the season.
This Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield is likely to feature several of the American mares Waller trains for Yulong, although final numbers are yet to be confirmed.
Moira, Full Count Felicia and Anisette are among five entries from Waller’s yard, joined by Land Legend and More Felons. Waller suspects the American mares may be better suited to Melbourne racing conditions.
That approach would also allow them to bypass a first-up meeting with stablemates Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah and Aeliana in the $1 million Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23.
“From what I’ve seen at home, they’re a little bit better left-handed and that would take the pressure off our system a little bit as well,” Waller said.
Anisette is already based at Flemington. A triple Group 1 winner in the United States over distances from 1811m to 2012m, her sole Australian appearance came in this year’s Doncaster Mile, where she finished at the tail of the field.
Moira’s only Australian start was also in the Doncaster, finishing 14th. The daughter of Ghostzapper was a Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Fillies & Mares (2213m) winner at her final American start, having run second to Full Count Felicia at Woodbine over 2012m prior.
Full Count Felicia, a daughter of War Front, has seven wins to her name and ran fourth in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at her only Australian start.
The trio, who are among Waller’s entries for both the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, have each had two quiet Sydney trials ahead of their returns.
In early markets for the Lawrence Stakes, Moira is $15, ahead of Full Count Felicia at $21 and Anisette at $34. Evaporate heads betting at $3, with Private Eye on the second line at $4.
Fans looking to place their wagers on the PB Lawrence Stakes odds can compare the best betting sites for competitive prices and promotions ahead of the big race.