Trainer Chris Waller believes that there is plenty to like about Royal Descent in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this Saturday.
Royal Descent is one of four Chris Waller-trained runners in the Caulfield Cup this Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart
Royal Descent has been one of the favourites in Caulfield Cup betting markets since her sensational ten lengths victory over Dear Demi and Gondokoro in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) during the 2013 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and she has not lost any supporters this preparation.
The Redoute’s Choice mare started her spring campaign with a second place finish behind stablemate Hidden Kisses in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1300m) before finishing third in the Group 3 Tramway Handicap (1400m) and a narrow second behind Streama in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m).
She made her Melbourne racing debut in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington a fortnight ago and had no luck after suffering interference early in the race and at the 200 metre mark.
Waller has been delighted with Royal Descent’s performances this campaign and rates the four-year-old as good a chance as you can get heading into the Caulfield Cup this weekend.
“I never get too confident because you get too disappointed but I think that she is a great chance,” Waller said.
“That is what we are in the game for; to have runners and strive to win these type of races and I think that she is as good a chance as you get.
“She is the right weight, coming off a good three-year-old campaign, and her first three runs were terrific including a Group 1 second over a mile.
“She has done everything right, she has a perfect gate with Nash on board, and there is a lot to like about her.”
Waller admitted that Royal Descent did not handle being knocked around by other horses in the Turnbull Stakes but believes that barrier three will help the Australian Oaks winner settle in the early stages of the race.
“Barrier three is good for Royal Descent because I think she needs a bit of confidence, she got her ass kicked the other day amongst other horses and it knocked her around,” Waller told TVN.
“Drawing a good gate should mean she gets a nice comfortable run which will allow her to relax and it is also good to have someone on her back that knows her well.”
Royal Descent will be joined in the Caulfield Cup by stablemates Hawkspur, Kelinni and Moriarty; with Waller chasing his first ever win in the time-honored race after missing the placings with Hawk Island (2011), Metal Bender (2008) and Triple Honour (2008).
