Trainer Chris Waller will chase a first win in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude when he saddles Estremo in the Group 3 contest.
The 1400m contest at Caulfield on Saturday has not been a race that Waller has traditionally used as a stepping stone to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11.
Waller is a three-time winner of the Group 1 contest in October with Press Statement and The Autumn Sun coming down from Sydney to win the Caulfield Guineas.
Last year’s winner Private Life ran in the Guineas Prelude, finishing fourth behind Angel Capital, before leading throughout as a $13 claim to claim the Guineas under Damian Lane.
Whereas Private Life had been racing in Sydney prior to coming down for the Guineas Prelude, lightly raced Estremo has been given extensive work on his Melbourne leg as he prepares for a potential tilt at this year’s Guineas.
Estremo has had two Moonee Valley runs, finishing third behind Guineas Prelude opponent Space Rider on August 23 and then fifth to Rosberg on September 6, both times over 1200m.
Waller took advantage of taking the son of Extreme Choice to Caulfield on Tuesday for a gallop at the course and to get acquainted with the surrounds.
Waller expects the rise in distance and the small field to be a plus for Estremo who will be having just his fifth race start on Saturday.
“I probably made a mistake running him over too short a distance last time,” Waller said.
“He was probably ready for 1400 metres last start, and he gets the 1400 metres this week.
“He’s had a couple of races running left-handed in Melbourne and he’s been running well, so he’ll get his chance on Saturday.”
Ben Melham takes the ride on Saturday.
