There will be no pressure on Declichy Boulevard to make a winning return at Randwick despite the mare being one of the best credentialled gallopers at the off-season meeting.
The four-year-old resumes in the Taylor Construction Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, her first appearance since finishing third to Treasurethe Moment in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in April last year.
A tendon injury was the reason for her extended stint on the sidelines and while trainer Chris Waller is happy with the mare’s subsequent rehabilitation, he expects Declichy Boulevard to be ring rusty.
“She was over a year off the scene so she will probably need the run, but it’s good to have her back,” Waller said.
“She’s a good horse. We thought she’d be a genuine Oaks horse, and she went amiss.
“We have taken our time with her.
“I’d say she will have two runs and then we’ll get her ready for the spring.”
Declichy Boulevard will carry 59.5kg after the three kilo claim of apprentice Siena Grima and will be one of three runners in the race for Waller along with Surf’s Up and Jellicious.
The latter finished an encouraging second first-up at Rosehill before missing a placing on a firmer track last start, Waller hoping she will appreciate a return to a rain-affected surface.
Waller thought highly enough of Surf’s Up to send her to Melbourne for a Group 3 assignment in the spring and wants to see her improve on her two efforts this campaign, the latest when runner-up in midweek company at Warwick Farm.
“She has been a little bit disappointing,” he said of Surf’s Up.
“She showed a lot as an early three-year-old and she has been a bit plain since, so she needs to lift. She is capable but she has a wide draw (barrier 17).
“Jellicious was a bit disappointing last start, but we put that down to a firm track, so I’m looking forward to getting her on a more forgiving surface.”
Markets have Surf’s Up as the pick of the Waller trio at $6.50, just ahead of Jellicious at $8, while Declichy Boulevard is a $19 chance.
