Champion trainer Chris Waller is confident star mare Via Sistina will handle conditions in her seasonal return at Randwick, provided race day skies stay clear.
Via Sistina is one of five Waller-trained runners set to contest the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, the opening elite-level race of the Australian season.
The reigning Cox Plate heroine has been nearly flawless since joining Waller’s stable, her only defeat coming on a heavy-rated surface in last year’s Makybe Stakes at Flemington. Waller attributed that loss to rain on the day rather than her ability.
“We just don’t want it to rain on the day (Saturday),” Waller said on his weekly podcast.
“If there’s no rain on the day that track will be fine but if it does rain on Saturday then it won’t be very nice at all.”
Despite that concern, Waller said her international record proves she can handle softer going, pointing to wins at Royal Ascot, Newmarket, and in France.
“She’s (also) had a win in France on a soft track and win at Newmarket on a soft track. Surely that would be similar to a heavy track here.”
Waller has also accepted with Fangirl, the 2023 winner of the race, as well as ATC Australian Derby winner Aeliana, Lindermann and Full Count Felicia.
Via Sistina has opened as the $2.80 favourite to claim consecutive wins in the Winx Stakes.
Punters eager to back Via Sistina or her rivals in the Winx Stakes can access the latest odds and offers from Australia’s leading betting sites.
