A decision on the future of glamour mare Verry Elleegant is imminent with trainer Chris Waller set to meet with her owners this week to discuss plans for the Melbourne Cup winner.
Waller confirmed there are three options on the table, including heading overseas for a final European campaign likely targeting the prestigious Prix De l’Arc de Triomphe in France in October, and retirement.
Verry Elleegant’s connections are expected to meet on Thursday, although Waller says it is unlikely a decision will be announced until next week.
“I’m not saying the decision will be made tomorrow (Thursday), but we’re having a chat tomorrow, just (to) work out all the options,” Waller told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“It’s either she has another prep, or she doesn’t, or she goes overseas. It will be one of those three options.”
A grand campaigner, Verry Elleegant has won 11 Group 1 races and more than $14.8 million in prizemoney, but she was unable to claim an elusive Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory this autumn, finishing fifth to Think It Over.
Meanwhile, Waller is keeping a close watch on the weather for stablemate Espiona, an acceptor for the Group 3 James H B Carr Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
The filly was expected to be one of the stars of the autumn but has struggled to handle the heavy track conditions at her past two starts.
Waller has kept her on ice since her midfield effort behind Lighthouse in the Coolmore Classic and says she will only line up this weekend if the track improves from its current heavy rating.
“I understand they’ve had a couple of mils of rain at Randwick this morning, which I didn’t want to hear,” Waller said.
“The forecast isn’t too bad. Hopefully it is no worse than an eight and you will see her, but if it got too wet, we would just put her away for the spring.”
James Mcdonald is booked to partner Espiona, who has drawn well in barrier two.