A small but talented field will complete the line at Randwick on Saturday in what is shaping up to be a memorable edition of the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m).
Chris Waller has assembled a strong hand for the $600,000 feature with Verry Elleegant headlining the betting, followed closely by stablemate Kolding and Randwick specialist Funstar.
Godolphin’s proven mudlark Colette looks the main danger to the Waller clan after bursting clear to win the Apollo Stakes a fortnight ago – a performance reminiscent of her success in the Golden Eagle last year.
With plenty of value right across the board, you can find our thoughts on all nine runners in our 2021 Chipping Norton Stakes Preview below.
Kolding
Dual Group 1 winner Kolding is out for revenge on his rivals after finishing runner-up in the Apollo Stakes second-up from a spell.
Chris Waller’s five-year-old enjoyed a nice run on speed under Hugh Bowman before he was swallowed up by Colette on the rain affected track.
The former Epsom Handicap winner has won two of his three starts over the mile at Randwick, so the step up in trip looks ideal for him at this stage of his campaign.
If the track rates somewhere in the good range, he’s a major player with race fitness now on his side.
Avilius
Avilius resumes from a spell looking to add to his strong record over the mile at Randwick.
The Godolphin galloper has won two from six over this track and trip and was far from disgraced in this same race last year finishing two-lengths fourth to Te Akau Shark.
Last time around, the seven-year-old had a run under his belt leading in, so whether the mile is a touch too sharp first-up remains to be seen.
He did trial well two weeks ago under Hugh Bowman though and has to be respected with some strong wins to his name on soft going.
Southern France
Southern France hasn’t been seen at the races since his luckless outing in last year’s Tancred Stakes at Rosehill.
He does like a soft track, but this is tough following a long lay-off.
Master of Wine
Master Of Wine was incredibly disappointing during the Spring, making it tough to expect too much from him following a soft trial two weeks ago at Rosehill.
His first-up record makes for easy reading however, and he has placed in two of his three runs over the mile.
Looks a bet for exotics if Tommy Berry can offset the wide gate.
Prince Fawaz
Prince Fawaz was no match first-up in the Apollo Stakes after missing nearly a year of racing.
The son of Fastnet Rock went straight to the front in the early goings before weakening out of it to run last.
He has won over the mile before, but won’t find this any easier.
Verry Elleegant
Verry Elleegant is looking to become the ninth Chipping Norton Stakes winner from the Chris Waller yard when she steps out on Saturday.
The six-time Group 1 winner returned a huge effort for third two weeks ago when resuming in the Apollo Stakes, a run she can only improve on now as she gets out to the mile.
While she’s never won over this trip before, her second-up record commands plenty of respect as she looks to atone for a narrow second to Te Akau Shark in this same race last year.
With fitness on her side and another wet track expected, she’s no doubt the horse to beat.
Colette
Wet track specialist Colette again proved too good first-up in the Apollo Stakes beating home Kolding and Verry Elleegant by a comfortable two lengths.
The daughter of Hallowed Crown seems to find another gear with some sting out of the track, and it is no surprise to find her as the second-elect to Verry Elleegant as she now shoots for her hat-trick.
The Godolphin mare famously won last year’s Golden Eagle on a Heavy 9 at Rosehill and was just as impressive when resuming a fortnight ago on the soft.
The in-form Rachel King, who steered home four winners last week at Rosehill, has retained the ride looking to earn her maiden Group 1.
Colette is looking to become the 13th horse to complete the Apollo Stakes-Chipping Norton Stakes double.
Funstar
Funstar is looking to add a second Group 1 to her resume after winning the Flight Stakes two years ago over this track and trip.
The Chris Waller four-year-old has found the money in three of her four starts at this level since then and is sure to improve on her first-up run when three-lengths fourth to Colette in the Apollo Stakes.
She absolutely flies second-up, and with a wet-track expected, she’s great value at the current quote.
Toffee Tongue
Toffee Tongue is the roughest of the Chris Waller hopefuls after finishing off only fairly first-up for sixth in the Apollo Stakes.
There’s no doubt the 1400m was too short for her that day, and although she’ll likely appreciate the step up to the mile, she warrants further consideration out even further.
Chipping Norton Stakes Tip
Colette at $3.30