Chris Waller loves taking out major races anywhere but winning them on his home track gives the champion trainer great satisfaction and he’s leaving no stone unturned for Saturday’s $150,000 Listed Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.
Waller accepted with eight horses for the feature race but after careful analysis he is set to have five runners to face the starter including a horse chasing his own cup, The Lord Mayor.
“It would certainly make the headline easy if he was to win,” Waller said.
“He hasn’t drawn well but I thought his last run was solid and his fitness levels have really improved with the two runs back.
“I’m pretty sure he has won three from four third-up and the 2000m is his best trip so a bit of luck and he can run well.”
According to bookmakers, Yulong Prince is Waller’s best chance of snaring his second Lord Mayors Cup, the trainer having won the race in 2013 with Moriarty.
“Yulong Prince is a very good horse. He will win his share of races I am confident of that,” he said.
“He hasn’t been in Australia for even a year yet so his best is in front of him.
“He has appreciated the little freshen up and we are expecting a good run on the weekend.”
The Hall of Fame trainer’s other three runners in the event are Wu Gok, Gayatri and Kaonic. The trio have travelled up from his Flemington base to contest the Lord Mayors Cup.
“Wu Gok is back after a couple of months away from the track but he looks in terrific order,” Waller said.
“His trial last week was just to stretch his legs and with the sting out of the track he could easily be right there on Saturday.
“He will race close to the speed and like he always does, he will give his best.
“Kaonic drew poorly at Caulfield so it was an easy call after he drew barrier two and he is on the limit weight.
“It’s been a while since we have seen his best but his last two runs have showed us he is getting back to somewhere near his best.
“The soft gate on Saturday should enable him to have an easy run and then be able to produce his sprint.
“Gayatri went to Melbourne for two runs but nothing really panned out. We decided to bring her back up here after she drew a good barrier for the Lord Mayors Cup.
“Her best runs seem to be when the speed is solid which allows her to get into a nice rhythm then build through her gears.”
-Richard Callander, racenet.com.au
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