Waller could have five chasing Makybe Diva
Chris Waller is preparing a powerful assault on Saturday's Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, with the champion trainer indicating he could have as many as five runners trying to upset Sheza Alibi.
Waller gave Channel 7 an extended rundown on his potential runners and their preparations ahead of what is shaping as one of the strongest races of the spring so far.
A must-watch for anyone looking ahead to Saturday.
James Cummings ready for Hong Kong debut
James Cummings will saddle his first runner as a Hong Kong trainer when Day Day Victory contests the Class 4 Kowloon Tong Handicap (1000m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
The 38-year-old arrives in Hong Kong following an outstanding Australian career that included 52 Group 1 victories and his lengthy stint as Godolphin Australia's head trainer.
"We're pumped up about getting started," Cummings said.
Cummings expects patience will be required with a stable containing plenty of new horses but believes its strength should begin to emerge as the season progresses.
Yellow Jersey given more time
Yellow Jersey will not race on Saturday after pulling up sore following his disappointing first-up performance at Caulfield.
Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy says the gelding will be given additional time before the stable decides on his next race.
A potential tilt at the Cox Plate now appears unlikely.
Fangirl officially retired
As expected, champion mare Fangirl has officially been retired following an outstanding career at the highest level.
The Chris Waller-trained mare retires with 12 victories from 42 starts and more than $11 million in prizemoney, having contested an extraordinary 27 Group 1 races and won four of them.
Thirty-five of her 42 career starts came in Group or Listed company, where she compiled a record of nine wins, six seconds and five thirds.
At her best, Fangirl possessed one of the most devastating turns of foot in Australian racing.
Sir Delius ready to fire first-up
Gai Waterhouse has made it clear that while Sir Delius has bigger targets ahead this spring, he will be at Flemington on Saturday ready to win the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
The imported son of Frankel has never won below 1800m but has performed strongly in both previous attempts at a mile, including placings behind Lindermann and Autumn Glow.
Following two Randwick trial victories and a strong piece of work over 1200m at Flemington on Tuesday, Waterhouse believes the Cox Plate favourite is ready to make his presence felt first-up.
"He's a really happy horse and he's training well," Waterhouse said.
Beadman gets his Everest audition
Beadman will head to the Group 1 Manikato Stakes in three weeks with an Everest opportunity potentially waiting on the other side.
Newgate Farm's Henry Field told Gareth Hall on SEN that Beadman will tackle the Manikato and, if he performs strongly, could head towards The Everest using Newgate's slot.
It gives the exciting sprinter a huge opportunity to force his way into an Everest field that remains wide open behind Ka Ying Rising.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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