Wazn has been well supported to give Chris Waller another Sydney distance feature, joining Straight Albert at the head of the market for Monday’s City Tattersall’s Cup (2095m).
Part of the large team of Europeans Waller has imported to Australia, Wazn is one of three runners for the premier trainer who also has Alexander Of Hales and Altered Boy engaged.
On Sunday, Wazn and the Guy Walter-trained Straight Albert were at $4.40 with TAB Sportsbet, being pressed by King Lionheart ($4.80).
“We’ve got three different scenarios,” Waller said.
“Altered Boy will be going over the distance for the first time and we have had the race picked out for Alexander Of Hales for some time.
“Wazn is a horse on the up but he hasn’t raced these types of horses before.
“He’s up in grade and distance but has done well.”
Wazn finished second in his lead-up run over 1550 metres at Canterbury on Christmas Eve.
Alexander Of Hales is another European who originally raced in Australia out of the Danny O’Brien stable.
He has failed to live up to the early hype generated by his second to Soldier Of Fortune in the 2007 Irish Derby but Waller believes he still has something to give.
Straight Albert missed a start in the Group Two Villiers Stakes on December 17 but claimed a consolation win in a benchmark 80 race on the day.
At his previous start he took out the Goulburn CUp (1600m) and Walter said he believed 2000 metres would be ideal.
“He’s looking for 2000 metres and the Gosford Cup later this month is also an option,” he said.
Waller’s success with imported horses is underlined by the recent retirement of Strike One who finished eighth in the Summer Cup on Boxing Day.
The winner of one race and placed in another in Ireland, Strike One more than paid his way in his new home with another seven wins and 13 placings.
“Strike One has gone to a nice home where he will be trained as a show horse,” Waller said.
“I think he has a future there.”
AAP TURF
