Early decisions on dual acceptors in separate states promise to strengthen premier trainer Chris Waller’s already formidable contingent at Rosehill on Saturday.
Waller has accepted with 24 horses across eight races as he tries to chase down his Sydney training record of 167-1/2 winners for a season, set in 2012-2013.
In a further example of his dominance of Sydney racing, Waller’s numbers represent 25 per cent of the total acceptors for the meeting.
His team will be boosted by the decision to keep in-form filly Mamwaazel in Sydney instead of sending her to Queensland for a belated winter carnival appearance in the Sunshine Coast Guineas.
And Permit, an acceptor Flemington, will return to his home track to contest the $100,000 Listed Winter Cup (2400m).
“The smaller field at Rosehill helps Mamwaazel and she will get her chance for some black type as an older horse,” Waller’s racing manager Liam Prior said.
Permit is an $11 chance in first markets on the Winter Cup but the stable expects the stayer to improve on top of the ground.
“He is a horse who needs a dry track and the forecast for Melbourne is grim,” Prior said.
Permit is the 60kg topweight in a heat of the Banjo Paterson Series at Flemington, a race the stable believes it already holds a strong hand with in Sacred Flyer.
Waller will have his heaviest Rosehill representation in the Natski Handicap with six runners as Tromso, Coup Ay Tee, Bagman, Eigelstein, Tougher Than Ever and Disciple continue their winter campaigns.
Ironically, Waller didn’t train a winner at the corresponding Rosehill meeting last year when he saddled up nine runners after the fixture was postponed because of rain.
There are 10 Sydney meetings left before the end of the racing season and the fact his record is on the radar is a worthy achievement in itself given there a fewer metropolitan fixtures in 2013-2014.
In contrast to the all-conquering Waller stable, Darley trainer John O’Shea will not have a Rosehill runner on Saturday and only one starter in Melbourne at Flemington.
The Joe Pride-trained Destiny’s Kiss, with Josh Parr confirmed to ride, is early favourite for the Winter Cup, opening at $2.70 ahead of the Waller-trained duo of Secessio ($6) and Mulaqen ($6.50).
