It is set to be a case of ‘girl power’ for Chris Waller this spring with the champion trainer already welcoming back his topline fillies and mares in preparation for the new season.
Along with stable star Via Sistina, Waller confirmed his Coolmore Classic winner Lady Shenandoah, the undefeated Autumn Glow, runaway Australian Derby winner Aeliana and the classy Fangirl had all returned to his yard.
The quintet is likely to be split between states to start their respective preparations with several to resume in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 23, while some could head to Melbourne for the Memsie Stakes (1400m) a week later.
“They are all back in work,” Waller said.
“In the Winx Stakes we will be well represented. A couple will go to the Memsie Stakes.
“A few of them might end up in the Makybe Diva (Stakes) and then Fangirl will come back for the King Charles III Stakes.
“Via Sistina will probably stay down there and is likely to follow a similar path to the Cox Plate as last year.”
With just over a month of the 2024-25 racing term remaining, the Winx Stakes will be the first major of the new season and is only eight weeks away.
Along with Waller’s established talents, a trio of Yulong-owned American imports who made brief appearances during the autumn in Sydney are also expected to play a role in the carnivals.
Anisette and Moira both had one run in the Doncaster Mile (1600m), while Full Count Felicia finished fourth to Via Sistina in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
All are Grade One winners overseas, and Waller says the P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) in Melbourne is a potential kick off point for the trio before he determines their respective spring programs.
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