Sydney’s number one trainer Chris Waller has high hopes for Vanbrugh on day one of ‘The Championships’ when he steps out in the Group 1 $2m BMW Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Trainer Chris Waller is giving Vanbrugh a good chance in the Australian Derby at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Vanbrugh is marked as a $10 chance for the Australian Derby with Ladbrokes.com.au and will be taking on the $1.90 favourite Tarzino again after running fourth to him in the Group 1 $600,000 Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (2000m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago.
Hugh Bowman had no luck on Vanbrugh who was caught three wide midfield after jumping from gate twelve in the fourteen horse field but fought on well in the straight to finish just under four lengths from the winner.
A better barrier draw this week at eight is giving Waller some confidence that the Encosta De Lago colt will be able to be right in the finish on Saturday.
“His runs have been good. He has had no luck, he has had bad draws,” Waller said.
“He has s good draw on Saturday, barrier eight. Hugh Bowman, the man of the moment in the saddle.”
“His work has been good. He is coming off the back of a fourth in the 2000m Rosehill Guineas and he is a Group 1 winner.”
“He will be hard to beat, but he does need the track to get back to a soft 6, a five would be even better.”
On Friday morning the Randwick track was rated a soft 7 and with no rain forecast for Sydney for today and tomorrow, the track is likely to be upgraded before race time.
Vanbrugh showed his class in the Spring when he won the Group 1 $500,000 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick and Waller is hoping the Randwick track will dry enough to help his chances.
Waller will also saddle up Torgensen who has drawn next to his stablemate at barrier seven with Kiwi jockey Opie Bosson to ride.
Torgensen produced an eye catching run at Rosehill last Saturday when second to Old North in the Group 2 $175,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and the leading trainer is also putting him into the mix.
“He went terrific. He hit the line strongly in what I thought was a high pressure race. It might have just flattered his run a little bit because he ran past some tired horses,” Waller said.
“But that is what we buy these horses for to run in these races and he will run on Saturday with Opie Bosson aboard.”
“Barrier seven, should get a lovely run and if he stays he is a chance, if he doesn’t stay he is no chance.”
Torgersen is currently listed as a $$16 chance with Ladbrokes.com.au.
Australian Derby market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $1.90 Tarzino, $6.50 Tally, Jameka, $10 Vanburgh, $16 Torgerssen, What’s The Story, $17 Etymology, $31 Sovereign Nation, $34 Tavago, $51 Gold Ambition, $71 Crosley Hotshot, $201 Oh So Splendid, Alfden.
