Foxplay digs in Tea Rose as Waller offers advice
FOXPLAY had to dig deep when winning the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes at Randwick on Saturday and trainer Chris Waller took the opportunity to offer some advice to the Victorians.
Waller said the Melbourne Racing Club and Racing Victoria should push back the Group 1 Thousand Guineas to better fit in with the New South Wales racing calendar, which would allow a two-week gap following the Flight Stakes.
“Why have it a week later?” Waller said.
“If we are going to promote Australian racing the way it should be, the way it is heading, with fantastic prizemoney, maybe Melbourne should fall into line and drop it back a week.
“I’m no Prime Minister, I’ll stick to training horses but if someone listens it might help.”
Foxplay was rated a $2.40 chance at Sportsbet and punters were fearing they had done their money in the straight, but Bowman remained patient and waited for the gap to present itself.
Foxplay dug deep to score by a neck over Skylight Glow and Quick Feet and Waller said it’s got a big heart for a small filly.
“She was going to be unlucky if she didn’t win,” Waller said.
“Fortunately he (Bowman) managed to angle his way into the clear, gradually, and it was a good win.
“She’s not a big girl but she’s all heart and does everything that the rider asks.”
Waller is hoping to avoid clashing with stablemate Omei Sword and could head to the Thousand Guineas instead of the Flight Stakes.
“We’re not afraid to run two or three together if they are Group I races,” Waller said. “Sydney is their home and that will be their main target.
“If for whatever reason that doesn’t suit then of course there is always the Thousand Guineas a week later, that is perfect.”
Foxplay is now into $5.50 at Sportsbet for the Thousand Guineas.