Chris Waller is taking a conservative approach to the autumn with import Bayrir, the best credentialled horse racing at Randwick on Saturday.
Bayrir is an American Group One winner of the 2012 Secretariat Stakes and also contested that year’s Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe and Hong Kong Vase.
He returns for his second Australian preparation in Saturday’s Gardenia Handicap (1400m) and is one of the first carnival horses to kick off their campaigns.
Waller says the early start is deliberate.
“We brought him back in early because I want to space his runs and at the same time have him fit to run over 2000 metres when the right races come along,” Waller said.
“There is no doubting his ability. He’s a Group One winner overseas.
“We’re just going to take a soft approach and gradually step him up and gradually wind him up to have him peaking for those races in the autumn, without getting too far ahead of ourselves.”
Bayrir raced three times during the winter and spring, including a midfield performance in the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes.
He has not started since his eighth of nine runners in the Group Two Hill Stakes at Randwick.
“He was still soft. Typically overseas horses get better at their second prep and if that’s the case we will be on track,” Waller said.
Sydney’s premier trainer also harbours carnival aspirations for stablemate Specific Choice.
The four-year-old has shown ability at his eight starts but has proven somewhat enigmatic for punters.
He returns in Saturday’s TAB iPhone App Handicap (1400m) as a gelding, a change Waller hopes will unlock his potential.
“You see a horse every carnival come from down in the ranks and he’s a horse that could be one of those who goes all the way through,” Waller said.
Specific Choice is the $3 favourite ahead of the Gai Waterhouse-trained Almighty Charge ($3.50).
He will be ridden by Hugh Bowman who partnered the Waller-trained galloper in a recent barrier trial.
“I took a lot of confidence out of his trial but he trialled well when he was a colt too,” Bowman said.
“Hopefully the fact he has been gelded might help him be a bit more genuine at the races.”
