Chris Waller’s biggest names are all bound for the Winx Stakes, but the champion trainer will have representation Melbourne’s first weight-for-age feature of the season.
This Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield will feature some of the American mares Waller prepares for Yulong, all that is to be confirmed is how many.
Moira, Full Count Felicia and Anisette are among five entries for Waller, alongside Land Legend and More Felons, who suspects the Melbourne way to racing is more suitable for the US mares.
It also means they would avoid a first-up clash with stablemates Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana in the $1 million Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23.
“From what I’ve seen at home, they’re a little bit better left-handed and that would take the pressure off our system a little bit as well,” Waller said.
Anisette is already at Waller’s Flemington stable. A three-time Group 1 winner between 1811m and 2012m in the United Stakes, her only Australian appearance came in this year’s Doncaster Mile, in which the daughter of Awtaad finished last.
That was also the first Australian start for Moira, who finished 14th.
Moira, a daughter of Ghostzapper, won the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Fillies & Mares (2213m) at final start in America, having finished second to Full Count Felicia in a 2012m Group 1 at Woodbine in Canada the start prior.
That is the biggest of seven wins for War Front mare Full Count Felicia, who finished fourth in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at only start in Australia.
The American trio, who were among Waller’s big team of entries for both the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup when they closed last week, have each had two low-key trials in Sydney in preparation for their return to the races.
Moira is the shortest-priced of the Yulong trio in the Lawrence Stakes all-in market, at $15, from Full Count Felicia ($21) and Anisette ($34).
Lindsay Park Golden Eagle hope Evaporate is $3 favourite from Sydney sprinter Private Eye ($4).
