It might not boast the prestige of a Cox Plate, a Doncaster Mile or an Everest, but the inaugural $1 million 7 Stakes is an appealing addition to the calendar according to champion trainer Chris Waller.
Waller will have three runners in Saturday’s Randwick feature, headlined by last start Winx Stakes winner Fangirl, while he has also accepted with Hinged and Going Global.
Having claimed the first editions of both The Golden Eagle with Kolding (2019) and Bondi Stakes with Kubrick (2019), Waller is keen to be the inaugural trainer on the honour roll of Sydney’s latest ‘pop-up’ race.
“It would be amazing. I think we won the first Bondi (Stakes), the first Golden Eagle and they’re big deals,” Waller said.
“Hence, you’ve got Group One horses going for them. Hinged is a Group One winner, Fangirl is in form as a Group One winner, and we’ve chosen that race over the Makybe Diva (Stakes in Melbourne) because it means they can stay in Sydney.
“We will have other horses in the Makybe Diva, but it’s a big deal and it’s $1 million.”
A field of 12 has accepted for the 7 Stakes (1600m) and more than half are Group 1 winners, including weight-for-age heavyweights Think It Over and Zaaki along with Waller’s trio of mares.
Fangirl got an early campaign win on the board in the Winx Stakes (1400m), her first success in 17 months after a 2022-23 season in which she consistently filled the minors behind Anamoe, and Waller said the breakthrough had been crucial for her confidence.
“She’s run so many good seconds to Anamoe and other horses and to get a Group One herself again, I think it’s important,” Waller said.
“It looks a perfect race for her Saturday.”
A Group 1 performer in America, Going Global will be having her third Australian start in the 7 Stakes, while Hinged tackles Saturday’s assignment second-up after finishing fourth to Fangirl in the Winx.
Hinged hasn’t managed a win since her three-year-old season but Waller expects that to change soon.
“She just needs to get things to go her way, a bit of confidence,” he said.
“Her first-up run was terrific and she will step off that and appreciate a mile.”