Chief Stipe Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Only the horse of a lifetime will keep champion Sydney-based trainer Chris Waller away from Ellerslie for tomorrow’s New Zealand Derby. Waller is closing in on 100 Group One wins since relocating to Australia, but has yet to win one in his homeland. Botti and Nobu give him a two-pronged shot at tomorrow’s $1 million Derby. However, Randwick understandably takes priority as Winx shoots for a world-record 23rd Group One win in the Chipping Norton Stakes – a race she has won in each of the last three years. “It’s a shame Winx is running on the same day, because it’s a race I’d love to go over and watch, but it won’t be happening this week,” Waller told Racenet. Waller will instead be a keen observer from the other side of the Tasman, with Nobu his pick of the pair following a strong-finishing fourth in a Rating 65 at Ellerslie two weeks ago. He will be ridden by Dubai-based Northern Irish jockey Pat Cosgrave, with Michael McNab taking the mount on Botti. “It’s a huge privilege for me to have runners in the Derby,” Waller said. “Everything has gone to plan with Nobu. He ran very well at Ellerslie two weeks ago and galloped there on Monday morning. Of the two Nobu is clearly the better chance. Botti probably needs a bit of rain.” Nobu is rated a $23 chance in the TAB’s Final Field market, with Botti at $101. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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