Sydney’s champion trainer understands what’s required to win Perth’s famous mile race, having prepared Good Project to take out Railway Stakes honours in 2015.
Good Project came close to another Railway Stakes the following year when second to Scales Of Justice, giving Chris Waller three placings overall after Moriarty and Tom Melbourne finished third in 2014 and 2017 respectively.
Waller’s confidence in sending Roots to Perth was given a big push along after the Press Statement mare produced a powerful finishing run to win the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill by three lengths.
Scoring her second Group 2 success at her third run this preparation, Roots bounced back quickly and atoned after finishing 11th of 12 in The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick, won by stable mate Espiona in October.
Waller says Roots has been well set up for the 2023 Railway Stakes and has a bit more to give in the west, not being overly taxed and having a three week gap between runs.
“She’s always shown us ability,” Waller said on Tabradio.
“We haven’t overaced her, including this preparation.
“She’s coming over to Perth with a bit of race fitness in her.
“Sometimes it’s an afterthought after a long campaign.
“But with her she has a couple of good ones left in her.”
Waller’s Good Project won the Railway Stakes from barrier 11 and Roots will have to complete the task from a wider position after drawing barrier 15.
It’s a body blow for Roots, but Waller said having the services of top jockey Tommy Berry again after the Hot Danish, could prove a critical factor.
“I think it’s a big help,” Waller said.
“He’s a real worker including Sunday morning when he galloped her at Rosehill.
“He’s a tireless worker, a great horseman and knows her very well.
“It’s a big help.”
Berry has fond memories of Perth racing from his time as an apprentice during the Equine Influenza epidemic.
On his last visit (2014) he posted a double including the Group 3 A.J.Scahill Stakes (1400m) for trainer Dan Morton.
With a couple of Group 2 races under her belt, Waller hopes Roots can go one better at the elite level after a second in the Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) in Brisbane last June.
Before her Railway Stakes assault, Roots’ record stands at seven wins and five placings from 21 starts for nearly $1 million dollars in prizemoney.
