Chris Waller will weigh up the best opportunities for Lindermann and Aeliana this week, with both horses nominated for Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield and Group 2 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
With Waller well represented across both races, the champion trainer said prizemoney and the prospects of each horse would play a major role in determining where they run.
“As much as we love winning Group 1s, we’re well represented in both races,” Waller told SENTrack. “I’ve got to put the owner’s cap on and say, well, where do they want to go and where are they going to get the best prize money?”
Lindermann enters the weekend following victory in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, where he was able to dictate proceedings from the front.
Waller expects the gelding to face greater pressure wherever he runs this weekend. Autumn Glow shapes as the major hurdle at Randwick, while the Underwood Stakes is expected to feature more competition for the lead.
Aeliana’s spring campaign is geared towards the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup, but her immediate assignment could depend heavily on Wednesday’s barrier draw.
Waller indicated a wide gate in the Underwood Stakes would increase the likelihood of the Australian Derby winner remaining in Sydney for the 7 Stakes.
Autumn Glow is already confirmed for the Randwick contest after connections elected to bypass The Everest and concentrate on a campaign over 1600m.
The reigning Australian Racehorse of the Year tuned up for her return with a 1000m exhibition gallop at Rosehill last Saturday, completing her final 600m in 36.53 seconds.
Waller said watching the mare work at close range had left a strong impression ahead of her return to competition.
The Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 17 remains Autumn Glow’s next major target, with connections also considering a possible Flemington appearance during Melbourne Cup Week.
Meanwhile, Joker’s Grin has been ruled out of Saturday’s $1 million Group 2 The Shorts after recording an elevated temperature on Tuesday morning.
Waller described the issue as minor and hopes the gelding will be able to return to competition the following week.
The stable’s protocol is to immediately isolate any horse showing a temperature before sending it to a farm or paddock and conducting blood tests prior to a return to training.
