Heavy track no issue for Waterford ahead of Silver Eagle
A Heavy track won’t bother Waterford in the Silver Eagle at Randwick on Saturday.
That was the strong feeling from jockey Tommy Berry and master trainer Chris Waller when both were asked about the stallion heading into the $1 million feature over 1300m.
The four-year-old has done nothing wrong in Australia, with three consecutive wins in Sydney this year.
The past two were triumphs at Benchmark 78 level at Rosehill on September 10 and August 27.
His only other start was the first of his career, a third in the UK in a $17,306 race at Newbury on July 16 last year.
Waller and Berry both feel there is plenty of upside left in Waterford’s career.
“He’s been very exciting in his three runs in Australia,” Berry said of the $5.50 winning chance with Ladbrokes.
“With the rain coming, it’s not going to affect his chances.
“I’m really excited to get back on him. I trialled him last week and he’s in really good order.”
Waller also has a high opinion of Waterford, and is confident he can qualify for the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill on October 29.
“He’s a really good horse. It was always going to be a question – is 1300m going to be too short?” he said.
“But the first three go through to the Golden Eagle.
“So we hope he runs top three and he comes through the race safely.”
Randwick was rated a Heavy 10 on Saturday morning, but Waller believes Waterford has the ability to run well if those conditions do not improve.
“Running on a Heavy 10 track is not perfect. But he’s won on a Heavy (8), albeit a maiden,” he said.
“This is a lot tougher. But he’s a good horse.”
Berry is also confident of success aboard Nettuno in the Roman Consul Stakes and Charleise in The Nivison.
They are respective $6 and $14 chances for Tony Gollan and John O’Shea.
“He’s come along with the best colts so far this preparation,” Berry told Sky Racing when asked about Nettuno.
“The form out of the (fourth in the Run To The Rose) is really good his last start.
“He probably needs an easier grade than what he’s been up against.”
Like Waterford, Berry isn’t worried about how Charleise will handle a Heavy track.
“I galloped her a couple of weeks ago. She’s in really good order,” he said.
“Couldn’t be any happier with her. She handles wet ground.
“So if we get rain, it’s not going to affect her chances.”