Trainer Chris Waller has revealed that triple Group 1 winner Boban is unlikely to take his place in the 2014 Doncaster Mile field, if the Royal Randwick track is rated in the heavy range on Saturday.
Boban has been one of the biggest drifters in 2014 Doncaster Mile betting markets. Photo by: Steve Hart
Boban was far from disgraced when seventh behind Gordon Lord Byron in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens, but according to jockey Glyn Schofield, did not appreciate the wet ground.
Waller told TVN that he is hoping that the Royal Randwick track continues to improve ahead of the Doncaster Mile this weekend, but said he would not hesitate to save Boban for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at the same venue next weekend.
“I am very happy; he just doesn’t handle the tracks being too wet,” Waller said.
“That race (the George Ryder Stakes) was made hard as they slackened off mid stage and then sprinted home and he was out the back on a pretty wet track.
“It wasn’t ideal and we will be hoping for his sake that we get an improved track.
“On a heavy surface I would even be reluctant to run.”
Waller has six horses in the 2014 Doncaster Mile field and one of his chances that would not have a problem on a heavy track is defending champion Sacred Falls.
Sacred Falls won the 2013 Doncaster Mile on a bottomless heavy track at Royal Randwick and is taking strong form into this year’s race after finishing fourth in both the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Royal Randwick on March 15 and the George Ryder Stakes.
The son of O’Reilly will carry 56.5 kilograms in the Doncaster Mile this weekend, after getting into last year’s race on the limit, but Waller remains confident that the four-year-old is a winning chance in the $3 million event this weekend.
“He was second-up in the George Ryder and it was certainly an eye-catching run,” Waller said.
“He is a lot fitter now then he was then and he is a lot stronger horse than he was last preparation and for that matter the spring.
“He has really come on well and I am really looking forward to Saturday, I think that she is a great chance.”
Waller also has imported galloper Weary, talented mare Royal Descent, 2013 Queensland Derby winner Hawkspur and veteran gelding My Kingdom Of Fife in the 2014 Doncaster Mile field.
Boban has drifted significantly in 2014 Doncaster Mile betting markets and is now available at a quote of $17, while Sacred Falls has remained steady at odds of $12.
