Via Sistina is progressing nicely according to Chris Waller and a track gallop at Randwick on Saturday has switched the Cox Plate-winning mare and his team’s focus on and ready for her return next weekend.
Via Sistina will be joined by stablemates Fangirl and Atishu in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) back at Randwick this Saturday.
“If there is a chink in Via Sistina’s armour it could be first-up over 1400-metres,” Waller said.
“Today was just as good for me and the staff as well as the horses to get into the groove.
“The win in the Cox Plate and break the track record the way she did (was fantastic), but it is now business as unusual.”
Via Sistina looked as strong and tall as ever as she walked through the Randwick tunnel for the outing where she was not pressed too hard by James Mcdonald over the 1000-metre gallop but clicked up slightly over the final furlong to the line.
“She has acclimatised better after the first prep where she was just off the plane,” Waller said.
“Her coat didn’t come right until after the Cox Plate and now that she is in our weather pattern, she is in the right season as she should be.
“She is relaxed and happy, and she’s had two trials going into this, so she is well prepared.”
Via Sistina’s group one campaign has a Sydney focus with the return run followed by the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) followed by the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) or the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) en-route to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
Fangirl also galloped at Randwick along with Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) winner Atishu.
Fangirl’s performance against Via Sistina will determine where she heads later in the autumn with a trip back to Flemington over 1600-metres a possibility.
“The All-Star Mile being a group one is a bit of a drawcard for me and would enable me to keep Fangirl and Via Sistina apart,” Waller said.
