Chris Waller will have three of the leading chances in the Group 1 2012 Myer Classic (1600m); with Red Tracer, Catkins and Arinosa all included in the final field for the premier mares race at Flemington this weekend.
Consistent mare Catkins will be one of three Chris Waller-trained runners in the 2013 Myer Classic field. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Red Tracer finished a disappointing 10th behind Appearance in the 2012 edition of the Myer Classic but has improved significantly in the last twelve months and will head into this year’s race as one of the favourites.
The Dane Shadow mare finished her autumn campaign with her maiden win at Group 1 level in the Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) and returned to the races with an unlucky second behind Sharnee Rose in the Group 3 Golden Pendant before recording a dominant three lengths win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a fortnight ago.
Waller has an extremely high opinion of Red Tracer and told Thorough Media that he expects her to produce her typical tough and consistent effort in the 2013 Myer Classic at Flemington this weekend.
“Red Tracer is a mighty mare, she is only small at 440 kilos, but she just runs well week in and week out,” Waller said.
“She is coming off the back of a really good Group 2 win last start.”
Consistent mare Catkins will make her Group 1 debut in the Myer Classic on Saturday after recording two wins from five starts during her 2013 Spring Racing Carnival campaign.
The Dubawi mare finished a narrow second behind Commanding Jewel in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) before recording her first victory at Group level in the Sportingbet Sprint (1200m) at Caulfield despite being inconvenienced in the final stages of the race.
She finished an unlucky third behind Fire Up Fifi and Peron in the Group 2 Blazer Stakes (1410m) but returned to the winners circle carrying a heavy weight in the Group 3 Eliza Park International Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Waller said he has been delighted with the form of the four-year-old and believes he deserves an opportunity at Group 1 level.
“Catkins won with a big weight last over a mile at Moonee Valley and she has pulled up really well since then,” Waller said.
“Hopefully she can step-up to a Group 1 level as well.”
Rounding out Waller’s charges in the race will be popular grey Arinosa who has been another big improver in the past twelve months.
The daughter of Dash For Cash started her preparation with a fast-finishing victory in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 5 but failed to make the grade when she made her Group 1 debut in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
Waller won’t have it his own way in the Myer Classic; with talented mares Cameo, Sharnee Rose, Thy, Fire Up Fifi and You’re So Good all included.
Will Red Tracer give Chris Waller his first ever win in the Myer Classic or will an outsider give roughies their third straight win in the race?
