Chris Waller is set to have three runners in the Tattersall’s Tiara as he bids to take his season tally of Group One wins to 16.
While he won’t break his Australian record of 18 majors secured in 2018-19, he can close out another incredible term when he starts Madam Rouge, Subpoenaed and in-form mare Nudge in the final Group One race of the season.
The Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) will headline Saturday’s Eagle Farm program, which will feature five stakes races, including the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2100m) for the middle-distance fillies and mares.
Waller will have Polly Grey in the $200,000 race, the mare having gone to a new level this preparation with victories in the Epona Stakes at Rosehill in March and the Gosford and Lord Mayor’s Cups in Sydney in May.
She found some of her rivals too slick when dropped back to a mile for the Magic Millions National Classic at Eagle Farm last start, finishing ninth to stablemate Nudge, but is expected to rebound over her preferred distance.
Waller’s stable representative Charlie Duckworth said the six-year-old had matured into a much more settled horse and it had been reflected in her form.
“She is going for a valuable mares race next time and she has been in fantastic form all preparation,” Duckworth said.
“She was pretty highly strung when she first arrived with us and she has got more and more relaxed.
“She will still race in her ear muffs because it’s hard to take them off after having such a great prep, but she doesn’t even wear them for trackwork anymore, she is just a completely different horse.
“She has really grown up.”
Waller had another good day at the office on Saturday with four winners at Rosehill, including promising stayer No Compromise who will now be considered for a Sydney Cup campaign in the autumn.
“He’s probably got a lot more than just benchmark grade to offer,” Duckworth said.
“We mentioned whether he would be good enough to be a Sydney Cup (horse) and you’ve basically got ten months. He’s only got a lowly rating now and you can pick up some good prize money between now and then, but it’s certainly a race that could end up on the radar.”
