Chris Waller admits he is working to a restricted timetable with You’ll Never, one of the favourites to win the Carrington Stakes at Randwick.
You’ll Never is a long way from the best horse in Waller’s yard and that’s why the leading trainer is approaching Saturday’s Listed race with an unusual degree of urgency for a stable that has built its success on patient and methodical systems.
“He needs to get on his bike before the carnival horses get back so it’s a good time of the year for him,” Waller said.
Without winning a race of significance, You’ll Never has managed to bank almost $500,000 in prize money from seven victories and 16 placings across 39 starts.
As Waller prepares for the return to racing of megastars such as Winx, Press Statement and stable newcomer, last year’s English Derby placegetter Storm The Stars, he says there is always room in his yard for horses like You’ll Never.
“They are important, those type of horses,” he said.
“It’s just not all about Group races.”
You’ll Never returns after a 25-week absence but Waller says he has seen enough merit in a recent Rosehill barrier trial to rate the horse a legitimate Carrington threat.
“He races well first-up and he looks fit,” Waller said.
“He normally races a bit heavier but actually on the scales he’s not big and heavy so hopefully that’s a positive.”
Bookmakers also sense You’ll Never can improve a first-up record that includes one win and three placings in four attempts, marking the six-year-old as second favourite.
Waller said You’ll Never could have his training eased sooner rather than later before returning at the end of the autumn carnival.
“I will give him a couple of runs and see where he’s going,” he said.
Carrington favouritism belongs to the Godolphin galloper Medcaut, a winner over 1400m and 1600m at his past two Randwick starts.
In a field of seven, Medcaut holds the call at $2.90 from You’ll Never at $4.20.
Late entry Voilier is on the third line as a $5 chance and Kathy O’Hara will ride the three-year-old for the first time.
Runner-up in the Silver Slipper Stakes, The Rosebud and the Up And Coming Stakes during his 2015 campaign, Voilier raced like a horse looking for more ground when placed over 1100m at Canterbury.
