Chris Waller Claims Verry Elleegant Win in Phar Lap Stakes

March 16, 2019

Chris Waller Claims Verry Elleegant Win in Phar Lap Stakes

Verry Elleegant claimed her first win under new trainer Chris Waller on Saturday in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

The former Darren Weir galloper entered as the $2.50 favourite with Ladbrokes, and although the three-year-old won comfortably in the end, it was yet another awkward and ugly run second-up.

Verry Ellegant, is now the favourite for next fortnight’s Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. Photo Credit: Steve Hart.

In a race that hardly featured much speed, jockey James McDonald found himself third-last out of the barriers to establish inside position along the rails. The pair moved up to challenge the leading Seabrook down the straight, but Verry Elleegant’s explosive turn of foot proved too much for Mick Price’s three-year-old, going on to lose by three-and-a-half lengths.

McDonald got on the whip over the final furlong to coast home no trouble. The plan ahead looks to be a trip to the $500,000 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in a fortnight’s time, but after showing no improvement with the nose roll on, champion trainer Chris Waller still thinks there is work to do.

“How far she gets this prep I’m not sure, but obviously we will go a bit higher” Waller said after the race.

“There’s certainly room for improvement but she has got a lot of class.”

Waller went on to admit he’s still learning about the horse after acquiring her from the Weir stables earlier this year. Despite firming into $3.80 favourtism for the Vinery, Waller wants to enjoy the win while he can.

“[The Vinery] seems logical, and a nice stepping stone, she had a minor setback after her first up run which was well documented so I guess she was a little bit fresh but hopeful today’s run can just bring her back and she gets a bit of confidence. Certainly she has got the ability there. A few little changes and she’ll be right on the job.

“It’s not something that you can change too quickly, I think it’s just time. Mentally, let them relax and be horses. As you can see we’ve got a nose roll on, I don’t think it’s helping, maybe you take it off, I don’t know.

“We won’t worry about it today, we’ll enjoy the win. This has been a good race for us, and hopefully this year is no different.”

Vinery Stud Stakes Odds:

Racing fields and data are copyright 2011-2021 © Racing Australia Pty Ltd (RA) (and other parties working with it).
Racing materials, including fields, form and results, is subject to copyright which is owned by RA and other parties working with it. Full copyright notice.

Spring Racing

Military Mission Fires in 2023...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field �...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field & Odds Update: Vow And Declare Defends Title

Danny O’Brien’s 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare continues to show a...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbott...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbottom Stakes Field & Betting Markets

Bjron Baker’s The Everest performer Overpass is tipped to return to winning...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 R...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 Race Field & Betting

The Chris Waller-trained Pierro four-year-old Osipenko is firm favourite in...

2023 Railway Stakes Field ...

2023 Railway Stakes Field & Betting Update: Tuvalu Narrow Favourite

The Lindsey Smith-trained top-weight Tuvalu is narrow favourite in the latest...

Horse Racing Today

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapat...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: L...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse extended her record to eight victories in the 2024...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winne...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Veight joined an elite list of three-year-olds to beat home the older horses...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results:...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Chris Waller’s VRC Derby winner from the spring, Riff Rocket, now has the...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Vi...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Via Sistina Too Good Debuting for Waller

Yu Long Investments lucrative European purchase, the now Chris Waller-trained...

Race Results

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapateo Upsets Sunshine In Paris

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Race Previews

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off

Fields & Form

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off