Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 4 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 4 hours ago Via Sistina is the favourite for the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Chris Waller is confident that Via Sistina is fully acclimated and well-prepared for her bid to maintain an unbeaten Australian first-up record in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m). The seven-year-old mare claimed the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at her first start in Australia last March and kicked off her last preparation by winning the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m). She then travelled to Melbourne, where she added the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), and Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) to her resume. “In her first prep she was just off the plane and last prep her coat didn’t come right until after the Cox Plate,” Waller told Racing NSW. “It’s a short break from the spring now to Apollo Stakes Day so they don’t get too far away from you in terms of fitness. “She’s had two trials and an exhibition gallop so she’s well prepared. She’s at the right weight and mentally she’s great.” The Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) on March 1 will be the next step for the mare before either the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) or Ranvet Stakes, before heading to the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). “I’d be leaning to the Ranvet but she’s pretty versatile, I’ll see what she needs to go into the Queen Elizabeth which is the grand final,” Waller said. Waller also has defending champion Fangirl, plus Atishu and Lindermann in Saturday’s contest. “Fangirl is very effective over 1400 metres, so if there’s a chink in Via Sistina’s armour it’s probably first-up,” he added. Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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