Waller trio on track for Festival Stakes at Rosehill
CHRIS Waller has a three-pronged attack in the Festival Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday with last start winner Religify, top-weight Amavatio and Marenostro.
Represented by racing manager Charlie Duckworth, the Waller stables believe current $4.20 favourite Religify could put two good runs together.
“Religify couldn’t have been more impressive last start,” Duckworth said.
“He’ll take a small step up in grade this time and barrier seven is a bit awkward, but he has the same jockey who
knows him well and he has been racing in very good form.
“He has matured and subsequently has more to give in the concluding stages. As long as he can jump with
them and get into the position he needs to, he will go well.”
The eight-time winner capped off consistent form with a win in the November Stakes last start and that came impressively by 2.3 lengths.
It has won five times at Rosehill and punters are confident it can string another win together.
Stablemate Marenostro gets a 3.5kg advantage than it carried in the November Stakes when it finished seventh, but its record second up should be respected.
“He’s carrying a lot less weight, his second-up record is phenomenal and the extra 100m will help him,”
Duckworth said.
The six-year-old has had five second up starts for two wins and two placings. Its distance and course record is superior and if there’s any moisture in the surface, it’s winning chances at $13 with Sportsbet.com.au will significantly increase.
Amavatio has had two starts this campaign and its last start fourth in the Group 3 Chatham Stakes should be a good form guide.
“Obviously being the top weight is tough, but he’s been working very well and has settled into the Sydney
stable nicely,” Duckworth said.
The main challenge to the Waller-trained trio will be Rageese which bypassed the Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot to run in the Festival Stakes.