Waller weekly news 25 March 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE• WINNERs

• News, getting to know chris harwood & photos

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The stable continued to enjoy riding on the crest of the Winx wave this week as the remarkable race-mare added a fifth Group One triumph to her magnificent race-record which at the moment includes eight-straight wins after her China Horse Club George Ryder victory at Rosehill on Saturday. The icing on the George Ryder cake, a race won in the past by the stable’s hardy stalwarts Metal Bender, Danleigh and Rangirangdoo, was seeing two of the most exciting entires currently running in Australia in Kermadec and Press Statement filling the placings for a stable trifecta. Also notching up a Group One placing this week was the Ingham Family’s home-bred Japonisme who managed a close third in the William Reid last night at Moonee Valley.

Libran added more excitement to Saturday at Rosehill when taking out the Group Three Manion Cup over 2400m, fast-tracking the Highclere galloper into favouritism for the Group One Sydney Cup on April 9 while the talented French Emotion made it four in a row from her base at our Flemington stable at Moonee Valley last Friday night. Hipparchus and Tremezzina both recorded nice wins at Sydney’s mid-week meeting and both look set to go on to much bigger things and like Winx and Preferment are in the stable thanks to the keen eye of bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster. Guy will be busy with the Inglis Easter Sales and is available for advice on any prospective purchases.

It was great to see the brilliant turn-out at Star Thoroughbreds’ annual parade on Sunday and thank you all for attending. We are now looking forward to another nail-biting weekend of brilliant racing and would finally like to wish everyone a very happy and enjoyable Easter with your friends and families.

We wish you all safe racing and the very best of luck over the next week!

Waller one, two, three! Winx, Kermadec and Press Statement.

CHRIS WALLER RACING - WINNERS THIS WEEK

winx4yo M Street Cry - Vegas Showgirl by Al Akbar

Wonder mare Winx continued her picket-fence form line and gained another Group One victory when winning the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday over 1500m. Regular partner Hugh Bowman was once again in the saddle and he had Winx closer to the pace than she had been on her previous couple of starts just behind the leaders in third position. She travelled strongly throughout and Bowman still had plenty of horse under him as they moved into the straight. Once he angled Winx towards the outside of the leaders she once again displayed her devastating turn of foot to score another brilliant win with her stablemates Kermadec and the three year old Press Statement performing with plenty of credit to fill the trifecta. Chris is now considering a tilt at both the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Elizabeth stakes which are a week apart on both days of The Championships at Randwick.

LIBRAN5yo G Lawman - True Crystal by Sadler’s Wells

Imported galloper Libran continues to improve as he acclimatises to racing in this part of the world and he scored an impressive win in the Gr.3 Manion Cup at Rosehill on Saturday over 2400m. Brenton Avdulla was again on board and he has struck up a good relationship with Libran having ridden him in each of his four Australian starts. Avdulla settled his mount in fourth position early on Saturday and Libran travelled strongly throughout behind the front-runners. As they moved into the straight Libran was still travelling comfortably and Avdulla eased him into contention once a gap appeared between rivals. Libran quickened smartly to score easily at the finish and he now looks firmly on track for a tilt at the Gr.1 Sydney Cup at Randwick on the final day of The Championships.

french emotion4yo M Snitzel - Love and Emotion by Woodman

Although she is not quite racing at the same level as her stablemate Winx, this daughter of Snitzel is putting together her own impressive winning streak and she made it four wins from as many starts this preparation when winning at Moonee Valley on Friday night over 1200m. Brad Rawiller has been aboard for all of those wins and he had his mount in fourth position throughout the early stages on Friday. Although she may not have been entirely comfortable on the prevailing soft track conditions French Emotion still had enough class in the straight to grind out another victory.

VIDEO UPDATEMake the boys day and click on the image to the left

to go to this week’s video update with plenty of valuable insights into our runners this weekend!

CHRIS WALLER RACING - WINNERS THIS WEEK

HIPPARCHUS4yo G Champs Elysees - Brightest by Rainbow Quest

This former French trained import scored his initial Australian success at only his second Southern Hemisphere start at Kembla Grange on Wednesday over 2000m.

In form jockey Hugh Bowman was in the saddle and he rode a patient race on this son of Champs Élysées settling close to the rear of the field early before moving into contention in the straight. The partnership hit the front inside the final furlong and went on to score comfortably at the finish. Hipparchus looks like another promising staying import and with this being only his fifth start there should still be plenty of improvement to come. A similar type of race in the coming weeks will probably be the target as he progresses through the grades.

tremezzina 3yo F Not A Single Doubt - Tremezzo by Encosta de Lago

This daughter of Not A Single Doubt added another victory to her record when scoring at Kembla Grange on Wednesday over 1400m. Blake Shinn was in the saddle and he had his mount in the perfect position throughout on the outside of the leader. As they turned into the straight Shinn asked for maximum effort and Tremezzina fought on strongly under the top weight of 58kg to score a gutsy success. This was a second career victory for this likeable filly from just seven starts and she will hopefully continue to pay her way and provide further fun for her large ownership group.

STAR PARADE WELL ATTENDED Star Thoroughbred’s 10th annual yearling parade was once again a terrific success, with Star owners travelling from all over Australia to join us on the day at Inglis’ Randwick sales complex.

Caroline Searcy, our MC for the day, opened proceedings by congratulating Chris on his 13th Group 1 winner for the current season and his 60th to date before welcoming the first of Star’s impressive selection of horses on offer into the parade ring. Click on the image to the right for a video from the event with footage of the yearlings.

Preferment ready to fire in BMWChris Waller is a master of planning and execution – you don't have 11 group 1s in your keeping already this season without that – and he heads to Chris Waller has dominated the Sydney staying ranks in his climb to the top but The BMW remains an oddity that the trainer will look to set right with the in-form Preferment at Rosehill on Saturday. The premier trainer has had 10 runners in BMWs and his only placing came from Beaten Up, third last year.

That is more a reflection of his stock as the 2400-metre group 1 weight-for-age race - the only one of its type in the country - generally has high-end winners.

The honour roll is home to the stars – Tuesday Joy, Makybe Diva, Might And Power, Octagonal, Tie The Knot, Bonecrusher, Kingston Town and Tails. Waller

hasn’t had a stayer of that quality in his yard yet. They don’t come along every day but Preferment could be the one.

He arrives with four runners for this year’s edition, led by Preferment and Storm The Stars (placed in last year’s English and Irish Derbies) while Sydney Cup winner Grand Marshal, and Who Shot Thebarman, also a group 1 winner at two miles, make up a handy squad.

Each of the quartet could fit the bill as the winner in one way or another but it is Preferment that brings the most attention. Even Waller admits he has doubted the last-start Australian Cup victor, on protest, at the extended trip, even though he won the Victoria Derby.

“It is silly really because he hasn’t really had another chance at 2400 [or beyond] since his Derby win [in Melbourne],” Waller said. “You sometimes get caught in the trap of thinking they won their Derby just because they were superior to the others and couldn’t stay.

“But what it really means is they were the best of their year but to win this race they have to be the best.”

The Victoria Derby has a record of producing winners that go on to win again at the top level, with 10 of the past 14 winners stepping up to the top podium in another group 1 after winning at Flemington.

Waller ran through the reasons for the doubters at the trip, but also offered his measured responses and grew more confident with every word.

“In the Australian Derby last year he was gone before they left the straight that time because he simply didn’t handle the conditions. He went to Hong Kong after the Melbourne Cup and got caught wide and never had a hope,” Waller started.

“In the Melbourne Cup he got taken out at 300m, so we simply haven’t seen him have his chance at this sort of trip.

“He has won twice at group 1 level at 2000m and is a Zabeel and like most of them continues to get stronger. He comes as an in-form horse at the top of his game this time and will get a track to suit.”

It is a solid case for the $3.20 favourite at Ladbrokes, but what about Storm The Stars, perhaps the best-performed European classic horse to grace Australia.

“He hasn’t settled into our racing. We are taking the blinkers off him and going to let him roll, the extra trip should suit him,” Waller said. “I have spoken to [his former trainer] William Haggas and he said he needs a trip.”

Who Shot Thebarman, an Auckland Cup winner, Melbourne Cup placegetter and Sydney Cup runner-up, was fourth in the BMW last year charging to the line and a group 2 weight-for-age win at 2400m in the Zipping Classic from last spring. Waller has learned from his preparation into the race last year.

“He has had one extra run into [The BMW] this year and is ready to peak,” he said. “Up to this trip always helps him and he is on a Sydney Cup path along with Grand Marshal.” - Chris Roots, Sydney Morning Herald

CWR media update re runnersDuring what is one of our busiest parts of the year with yearling sales and Sydney Carnival in full swing, Chris got on the front foot yesterday to fill in the media with his thoughts on some of our runners over the next week which may prove interesting reading for our newsletter readers.

“It is likely Winx will contest the Doncaster Handicap. She has pulled up very well after her win in the George Ryder. Although it is a Handicap we feel she still has an excellent chance to win the race, although every respect is given to those horses down in the weights and of course horses weighted similarly to her. We will be making no decision on the Queen Elizabeth start until we see how she performs in the Doncaster and most importantly how she comes through her Doncaster run.

It is likely that Press Statement will bypass the Doncaster and run in the All Aged Stakes. We are keen to continue down the path of keeping him to the shorter races with the view of taking him to England to compete, in particular Royal Ascot and although no specific race has been planned as yet, the Diamond Jubilee over the tough 1200m distance at Royal Ascot will certainly be an option. He too has pulled up well after his run in the George Ryder and although it is difficult to bypass a race like the Doncaster, I am keen to keep him fresh and the four week gap will be ideal for that.

We are yet to make a decision on whether Kermadec will run in the Doncaster. The other option for him is also the All Aged Stakes and a possible trip to Europe. A decision will be made after he works on Tuesday as to whether he runs in the Doncaster to defend his title obviously with a bigger weight or whether he is kept to the shorter distance and what he showed last start when running second to Winx is that he is certainly a very good sprinter/miler.

Good Project will run in the Doncaster. I was happy with his winning trial earlier in the week.

I am yet to make a final decision with Vanbrugh but am leaning towards running in the Doncaster with 50kgs. He is not assured a start but over the next few days we will have a better idea on his chances are of gaining a run. I am keen to run him with 50kgs, it is a path we have followed with similar horses with success after running over 2000m in their previous start. I think he is capable of running a very good race and there is also the Queensland Derby if we get it wrong.

Delectation will run in the TJ Smith. He was a little bit keen in his Newmarket run and I feel that was the reason for his poor showing. I am going to give him a trial on Tuesday morning just to take some of the freshness out of him to ensure he runs well in the TJ Smith.

Omei Sword. A decision will be made after she works on Tuesday but at this stage we are leaning towards running her in the Sires Produce. There was the option to run her in the Percy Sykes the week later, but I feel she is ready for the 1400m and has come through her last start placing in good shape.

Libran has pulled up well after the winning run last week and I will also make a decision on him after he works on Tuesday morning but it is very likely he will take his place in the Chairman's Handicap seven days prior to running in the Sydney Cup.”

Kermadec - flying again this preparation.

Click here to go to the website for more information on our stable runners.

THIS WEEKEND’S STABLE RUNNERS

Inglis’ Australian Easter Yearling Sale is set to be conducted from 5 - 7 April with the stable planning to be active. To flag your interest in

our purchases or for assistance at the sales from our Bloodstock Agent Guy Mulcaster

contact: g.mulcaster@hotmail.com

Bred and raced by the Taylor family Tromso was a quirky and much loved member of the team having spent six seasons with us. His deeds on the track were impressive, even more so considering he was not always the soundest of horses yet some may say he’s more famous for his trademark tongue hanging out constantly at the races. He raced on 49 occasions with his wins including the Listed Hawkesbury Ladies Day Cup in 2013. That with his seven other wins and 13 placings saw him the winner of over $624,000 in prize-money.

On his retirement from racing, Tromso spent time with well-respected riders and re-trainers of thiroughbreds as sport-horses Chloe Sears and Claire Oxley who prepared him beautifully for his new career. Tromso is now living at Centennial Park in the city and is performing very well for his new owner Amanda Maree Cresswell who has been doing dressage and show jumping with him.

If you have any updates on former CWR horses, we’d love to hear them email your stories to haylie@cwallerracing.com

tromso adapting well

getting to know chris harwoodThis week for our staff profile we caught up with accomplished track-work rider Chris Harwood who told us a bit about himself and before he answered our questions.

“I’m Nottinghamshire born with no racing background at all, apart from waiting outside Ladbrokes for my old man to put on his £5 scoop six bet.”

“Not being the biggest of lads, upon leaving school I decided to give the old jockey thing ago, so off I popped down to the local racing stables, “Sydney Roy Bowring” were I quickly learnt to ride a horse and had my first race ride within six months.”

“By the time I was 18 I’d had 50 rides and won on “five” literally “steering jobs” but dieting was hard and I certainly didn’t fancy the life off a jumps jockey so traveling would be my next chapter!”

“In 2004 I landed in Australia riding work at Warwick Farm but it wasn’t long before I accepted a new challenge in breaking in youngstock for Darley (now Godolphin).”

“I was pretty fortunate and actually broke in a few handy ones including Sepoy, Appearances and Earthquake which was very rewarding and certainly gave me the bug for breaking young horses. I now fill my days doing this after riding out for CWR as my own business and it’s great!”

Nickname? CH

Best quote? Horses are like ‘nuts and bolts’.. If the rider’s ‘nuts’.... The horse ‘BOLTS’!!!

Favourite part of the job? Just playing a part in such a dominant stable is very satisfying for me.

Favourite horse? I’ve become good mates with ‘Libran’ but watch out for ‘In Times of War’!!

Best horse ever seen? Frankel, he was simply awesome, a privilege to have been associated with him.

Role model? No one in particular. I like to take things from all sorts off successful people.

Favourite food? I love a Yorkshire pudding! Favourite jockey? I have always been an AP McCoy fan, but over here I love Tommy Berry!!

If you weren’t in racing, what would you have done? A rockstar maybe but reality says I’d probably work ‘down the mines’ with my old man!

If you could invite two people for dinner, who would you invite? Ricky Gervais and Noel Gallagher!!

Event in the world that you would most like to attend? I have always loved the Dubai World Cup!

What would you do with your last $5? Put it on an even money shot and then just keep doubling it up..... Easy!!

Tip for the weekend? Grand Marshal is flying so an E/W bet on him!!

One from the archives.. Chris on an old mate, Eigelstein.

Winx celebrations.

Thanks to Bradley Photographers and darryl sherer for our weekly photos.

www.bradleyphotos.com.au

Bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster and Jack Lake celebrate Hipparchus’ win at Kembla.

Raquel and Black Jag.

Japonisme and his cat friend ‘Evil’.

French Emotion celebrations.

Delectation.

Japonisme.

Delectation.Delectation.

A couple of Kiwis - Rory and Who Shot Thebarman.

Ben and Preferment giving some cheek.

Toni and her beloved Hawkspur.

Dewalt and Krupskaya.

Tash and Strawberry Boy.

Ben and Amicus.