Chris Waller is known for his domination of Sydney’s staying races but the premier trainer could find himself without a runner in the Group Three Summer Cup.
Strike One needs to prove himself in a barrier trial on Tuesday while the spread of weights will determine whether Permit takes part in the Boxing Day feature at Rosehill.
Runner-up in last year’s Summer Cup (2400m), Strike One was a major disappointment when 21 lengths behind the winner Sea Galleon in the Christmas Cup last Saturday week.
“We are light on for the Summer Cup,” Waller said.
“Strike One will have to trial well to go to the race while Permit needs a fair weight if he is to run.”
Both stayers are former Europeans with Permit coming to Waller via Mike Moroney’s Melbourne stable.
Permit claimed his first Australian success when he beat Scouting Wide over 2200 metres at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
Scouting Wide carried 61.5kg after Sam Clipperton’s 3kg claim and trainer Tim Martin said he expected a drop of around 5kg for the Summer Cup.
Waller said that would probably leave Permit too close to the 2010 Brisbane Cup runner-up.
His other options for Permit are to give him an easier task then turn him out for a short time with the Sydney Cup a possible target.
Waller won this year’s Sydney Cup with Stand To Gain and said there were favourable comparisons between the two horses.
“They had similar form lines in France,” he said.
“I think the Sydney Cup would be a realistic aim for Permit.”
Jim Cassidy returns from a five-week suspension for overuse of the whip and will be aboard Scouting Wide with trainer Tim Martin excited about the riding engagement on the free-running stayer.
“He’s the sort of horse Jim Cassidy will suit,” Martin said.
“From a Summer Cup point of view his run was great.”
Former New Zealander Solid Billing, winner of the 2009 Summer Cup, missed the Christmas Cup when trainer Craig Ritchie was concerned about him tying up.
He recovered and was given an exhibition gallop at Canterbury on Friday night in preference to running in the Villiers Stakes (1600m) a day later.
Nominations for the Summer Cup will be taken on Tuesday.
AAP TURF
