Chris Waller says he can’t split his two chances in an open W J McKell Cup at Rosehill on Saturday.
The trainer has elected to start Beijing Boy and Vintedge in the $100,000 Listed event over 2400 metres after both runners had no luck in their starts.
Beijing Boy was the hardluck story of the Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) where he flashed home from back in the field to finish fourth behind McKell Cup rival Voice Commander.
Vintedge finished fifth in the Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) at Canterbury a day later but struck trouble near the 600 metre mark when Empires Choice broke down in front of her, forcing her to check to avoid fallen jockey Brad Pengelly.
“I couldn’t split them,” Waller said of the stable’s McKell Cup hopefuls.
“Beijing Boy should have won last start and if he won then you would say he is right on song for this race.
“Vintedge has been a surprise package this preparation because she’s shown she can stay and she hasn’t had a lot of luck.”
A field of 12 was declared for the McKell Cup on Wednesday with Beijing Boy, Voice Commander and Tullamore installed as $6 equal favourites in a wide-open TAB Sportsbet market.
Vintedge is rated an $8 chance and Waller has called on in-form rider Christian Reith to partner the mare with several of Sydney’s leading hoops heading to Brisbane for the Doomben Cup meeting.
Reith claimed a stakes double at Scone last weekend with victories on the Peter Snowden-trained Dysphonia in the Listed Scone Cup and Shannara in the Listed Dark Jewel Classic.
Beijing Boy will be partnered by Glyn Schofield who returns to the saddle for the first time in three weeks after breaking his collar bone when he fell from Hawk Island in the Group One Sydney Cup.
“Both horses are well,” Waller said.
“They are getting towards the end of their preparations but are very fit and ready to run a strong 2400 metres.
“Beijing Boy was very unlucky at Wagga and Vintedge also had no luck behind the horse that broke down at Canterbury.”
Beijing Boy won over 2400 metres in May last year but failed in his last attempt at the trip when favourite in the Group Three Summer Cup at Randwick on Boxing Day.
“I just don’t think he’s the same horse on those hot summer days,” Waller said.
“He seems to overcook. I don’t think it will be a problem on Saturday.”
AAP TURF
