Chris Waller will take a cautious approach with his two juvenile fillies engaged for Randwick this weekend, with only one set to start as he looks to give both youngsters the best possible opportunity to begin their careers on a winning note.
Godolphin homebred Sequinned and Miss Scandal, a daughter of former stable star Home Affairs, have both been entered, but Waller plans to split them between Saturday’s Kia Ora Bloodlines To Headlines Handicap (1000m) at Randwick and the Widden Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill the following week.
A final decision will be made on race morning, though Waller indicated Sequinned is the more likely of the pair to line up this weekend.
“I’ve got two in the race and I’m not going to run both of them because they’re both good fillies,” Waller said.
“I’ll keep one for the Widden and it might well be this filly (Miss Scandal).”
“I’ll wait until Saturday morning because if Sequinned had a temperature or was feeling her shins, then she wouldn’t run. But I don’t want to run both of them.”
Sequinned is by Pinatubo out of Dazzler and is a half-sister to former star sprinter Bivouac, who went on to win three Group 1 races including the Newmarket Handicap. The filly has already shown promise, finishing second in a recent trial behind Home And Dry after covering extra ground throughout.
“She is well bred, a lovely filly and she’s got a nice future,” Waller said.
Sequinned has drawn barrier nine of 11, with Miss Scandal immediately outside her, and Waller acknowledged the awkward gates are also part of the decision-making process.
The champion trainer is well known for scratching runners if the circumstances are not ideal, preferring to ensure his young horses gain confidence early in their careers.
“People wonder why we scratch from draws and it’s not just because they can’t win,” Waller said.
“It’s because they have tough runs and it affects their confidence.”
James McDonald is booked to ride Sequinned, who is quoted at $5 with betting sites, while Sam Clipperton will partner Miss Scandal, the early $3.10 favourite.
