Chris Waller has waited 12 months for Via Sistina to avenge a Queen Elizabeth Stakes defeat that wasn’t of her making and the extraordinary mare has delivered in spaces.
In the corresponding race last year, Via Sistina finished runner-up to tearaway leader Pride Of Jenni when the winner was allowed to get too far in front.
While that mare didn’t return to defend her title on Saturday, Via Sistina turned up at Randwick on a mission to underline her status as the country’s best middle-distance horse.
“She missed the race last year. We just miscalculated and full credit to Pride Of Jenni and Declan Bates and Ciaron (Maher), they won the race and they pulled our pants down,” Waller said.
When asked if Via Sistina’s stunning 1-3/4 length victory over Dubai Honour on Saturday made up for it, Waller didn’t hesitate.
“It does. It was a tough day that day,” Waller said.
Via Sistina has now won eight Group 1 races since her arrival in Australia last autumn, seven of them this season.
The champion trainer described her as a race day marvel and said they kept her on a strong tether at home.
“We’re still getting to know her. She is well into her twilight years but it’s scary really, how good she is,” he said.
The seven-year-old wasn’t the sharpest to jump but James Mcdonald didn’t panic, settling her on the fence and worse than midfield.
She was momentarily baulked for a run on the corner but McDonald worked his magic, weaving a path between runners before Via Sistina exploded clear.
“There was one little worrying moment. I thought the one I was following was going to kick for a gap and he just didn’t go for it, and I ended up back off him,” McDonald said.
“But she was superior. Once I got those gaps, she sliced through and went bang.
“You could poke holes in her performances coming into today because she hasn’t been winning by big margins, but that’s the type of horse she is now. She only does what she has to.”
Tom Marquand said Dubai Honour ($8) was brave in defeat after being posted wide throughout from an sticky draw but he was unsure if he could have beaten Via Sistina ($2 fav) regardless.
“Had a horrible run around. Whether it would have been enough to turn it around I don’t know,” Marquand said.
Tom Kitten ($15) turned in an outstanding effort to grab third, while Ceolwulf made up a lot of ground from last to finish fifth.
Waller, who had his family on course, also won the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) with Fangirl and said it was a memorable afternoon.
“It is special and its great to have the family here,” he said.
“It’s Sydney’s biggest day of racing. Everest is catching up but this is our big day.
“The good horses are here and there is some international flavour as well, which is great.”