Latest news with #AustralianDerby
New Paper
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Plenty of choices await Aeliana
SYDNEY All options are on the table for Group 1 Australian Derby (2,400m) winner Aeliana this spring, including a potential tilt in Australia's weight-for-age championship, the Cox Plate (2,040m) at Moonee Valley on Oct 25. The Chris Waller-trained filly was among the stars of the Sydney Autumn Carnival, finishing a desperately unlucky second to the James Cummings-trained Broadsiding in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2,000m) on March 22, before thumping her rivals to claim the Australian Derby at Randwick on April 5 by more than five lengths. The Castelvecchio three-year-old's maiden Group 1 victory under jockey Damian Lane also gave her prominent Australian syndication Star Thoroughbreds their first Derby triumph. Aeliana - who also has two Group 3 wins to her name - is now just weeks away from her first barrier trial, which will pave the way to her comeback. Denise Martin, the leading syndicator and principal of Star Thoroughbreds, is content to leave Aeliana's spring programming to Waller, but is also excited by what the filly might be able to achieve. "Chris has reported that she has returned extremely well. She has strengthened, matured and developed nicely," said Martin. "Her spring programme is nowhere near finalised, but she will most likely run in a barrier trial at the end of July, and have a second barrier trial a couple of weeks later. "Then we will most likely look at a couple of options towards the end of August, the Winx Stakes and the Memsie (Stakes). "But after that, there are options such as the Makybe Diva (Stakes) at Flemington, the Turnbull (Stakes), the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate." It would seem that the world is Aeliana's oyster after her last-start win in the Derby, her fourth career success in 10 starts. Should she be targeted at the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1,400m) at Randwick on Aug 23, Aeliana could be in for a mouth-watering clash with her stablemates, including 2023 Winx Stakes winner Fangirl, 2025 Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1,500m) winner Lady Shenandoah and star mare Via Sistina. Waller has confirmed that Via Sistina will defend her 2024 Winx Stakes win first-up in its 2025 renewal in August. Aeliana's other option for her racing resumption, the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1,400m), will be run at Caulfield on Aug 30. Not overwhelmed by the plethora of opportunities ahead, Martin described the rising four-year-old's progression as "a rose opening". She was particularly delighted to win a classic as she said the syndication did not generally target staying types at the yearling sales. The Star Thoroughbreds, famous for their purple and white stars silks, have been racing horses for decades, but they had tended to go for mostly the sprint riches, most notably with champion stallion Sebring in the 2008 Group 1 Golden Slipper (1,200m). "We were elated because I couldn't have believed I would have purchased a Derby winner," she said. "We would normally buy horses that are sprinter-milers or maybe 2,000-metre horses. "I said to Chris (Waller) the Monday after the Derby - the Caulfield Cup? And he said, 'we'll see'. "Wherever he goes with this horse, I'm going." The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2,400m) was won by the Ciaron Maher-trained Duke De Sessa last year and will be run on Oct 18 at Caulfield. Winning a Derby was Martin's on-track highlight during the 2024-25 season, but it was matched by an achievement away from the racecourse. The sale of 2023 Coolmore Classic winner Espiona for A$4.15 million (S$3.49 million) last July also ranked highly, with Martin having purchased the daughter of Extreme Choice for A$190,000 as a yearling before she went on to amass almost A$3.3 million in stakes. SKY RACING WORLD
7NEWS
29-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Differing paths for Chris Waller's Queensland Derby trio
It's been anything bar a conventional leadup for Chris Waller's trio of runners in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The master trainer has won the race on three occasions, including with Kovalica and Kukeracha in the past four years and will saddle up three runners, headed by filly Belle Detelle. A three-quarter sister to Verry Elleegant, Belle Detelle is aiming to become just the third filly to win the Queensland Derby this century, with Waller preferring the true mile-and-a-half journey over the 2200m of the Queensland Oaks. She finished sixth to stablemate Imperalist in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben on May 17, a run Waller said was more than acceptable given the circumstances. 'It was solid, it was a very wet track,' Waller said. 'She got a long way back and she finished off well. The barrier draw (is important), whether it's Eagle Farm or Doomben, doesn't matter where you're at.' Unfortunately for connections, Belle Detelle has drawn barrier 21, which will come into 17 of 18 if emergencies fail to get a run, with James McDonald booked to ride. While tactics remain a query for Belle Detelle, Waller confirmed Imperalist would be ridden similarly to last start when leading throughout to take the Rough Habit Plate at $61 odds. 'Imperialist surprised us a little bit. In the Australian Derby we went back to last and he never made an impact so we just sort of formed the opinion that he might not stay.' 'I asked Tommy Berry after the Rough Habit and he said 'no, he'll get further' so obviously ridden close to the speed the other day, we'll ride him similarly on Saturday.' The trio is rounded out by last-start Ipswich winner Existential Bob, a gelding by Ocean Park that Waller himself owns alongside wife Stephanie 'Existential Bob won at Ipswich the other day. He's come up here to run in the Derby and he'll stay. He's by Ocean Park, he needs to improve but he's in there (with a chance) as well,' Waller said. At $7, Belle Detelle is the second favourite in an open market headed by Statuario at $5, who finished second to Femminile ($8) in the South Australian Derby on May 3.
Daily Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
South Australian Derby runner-by-runner form analysis and tips
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. The $1m South Australian Derby has drawn together a competitive line-up of three-year-old staying prospects and here is our form assessment of each of the runners. There was a field of 16 runners plus three emergencies declared for the 2500m contest. Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 – GOLDRUSH GURU Showed something of a return to form last start, albeit dropping sharply in grade when fifth in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m). They've been mixing the tactics this prep and drawn out, how will they ride him? Must settle but if he does, he's proven at the trip. VERDICT: Proving hard to catch but capable on his day. 2 – STATUARIO Only one poor run this prep when down the track in the Australian Guineas. Other than that he was good through the line when third behind Australian Derby placegetter Shanwah in the Alistar Clark (2040m) before winning the Galilee Final (2400m) at Caulfield last time. Fifth run of the prep and drawn soft. VERDICT: Shapes as one of the main players. 3 – CONFETTI GARDEN Three back he wasn't far behind Australian Derby placegetter Shanwah in the Autumn Classic (1800m) before starting favourite in the Tulloch Stakes, finishing fifth, beaten two lengths. Then flopped on the back-up in the Australian Derby. Lands here four weeks between runs with a tricky gate to overcome. VERDICT: Place claims are strongest, but he needs to lift. 4 – AMERICAN WOLF Announced himself as a contender when relishing the step up to a staying trip, coming from the back half of the field to prevail in a two-horse war over Litzdeel and her form ties into Statuario from their clash in the Galilee Final (2400m). Eight-day back-up and comes back slightly in trip, from 2800m to 2500m. Gets Mark Zahra but wide draw to overcome. VERDICT: One of the main players if he handles the back-up. 5 – SAINT EMILION He didn't fire a shot in his first two runs of 2025, failing to beat a runner home over 1400m and 1600m. Then last time out he improved drastically when fourth in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week. Last spring he won the Geelong Classic over 2200m en route to finishing midfield in the Victoria Derby. VERDICT: On the improve and not without First 4 prospects. 6 – SNOOPY NOW Consistent SA gelding that was good late two back when winning the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) and last time out he produced the second best last 200m split in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m). Gives the impression he'll run the 2500m and he's drawn to get a decent run. VERDICT: one of the better chances coming out of the Chairman's Stakes. 7 – DUBAI FOCUS Consistent performer that's been around the mark in the lead up races. A two-time winner early in the prep, he was fourth in the Port Adelaide Guineas then last time out was third in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week where his final sectional indicates he was feeling the pinch late. VERDICT: Expect the trip to prove beyond him. 8 – LAVALIER Godolphin galloper that has got better as the distances have increased. Magnificently bred being a sibling of Helmut, Epaulette, Pearls and Bullbars and there is staying performers in the dam line. No horse hit the line better than him in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week but will need some luck from the wide draw. VERDICT: The leading chance out of the Chairman's Stakes with luck early. 9 – POLITELY DUN Held his ground two back when fourth in the Alister Clark (2040m) then last time out he appreciated stepping up to 2400m when strong to the line, second, beaten 2-1/4 lengths by Statuario in the Galilee Final at Caulfield four weeks ago. Coming into form at the right time and drawn to get favours in running. VERDICT: Has solid credentials and can't be ruled out. 10 – ROCTAVE Kiwi stayer that's lightly raced. Broke through to win a maiden at Ellerslie over 2200m two back then stepped up sharply in class last time when racing near the speed and had his chance, finishing third in the Group 3 Trelawney Stud Stakes (2100m). Hard to line up the form but it was a true staying test in his last start. VERDICT: Wouldn't leave him out of the First 4s. 11 – DARKNCONFIDENTIAL Consistent local galloper that's been competitive in the lead-up but has been beaten more than four lengths in his past two starts in the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) and the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week. His closing sectionals last start didn't indicate he want's more ground and has a wide gate to overcome. VERDICT: Will find this beyond him. 12 – COMPRESSING Started his career of in perfect fashion, winning a couple of low-grade races in Victoria – a 1606m maiden at Terang and a Benchmark 64 over 2080m at Cranbourne – prior to never getting into the race in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week. It was a slowly run race last time so want to be somewhat forgiving but will need some luck from the gate after drawing barrier 10. VERDICT: This is a big ask at start four. 13 – SCINTILLANTE Broke through winning his maiden at Sale over 1717m three starts back then stepped up sharply in grade and was solid, third in the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) before failing last time out when never sighting the bunny, always well back in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week but it should be noted he ran the fourth best last 200m split. Drawn to be closer this time. VERDICT: Can bounce back, each-way claims. 14 – CAVITY BAY Has run well in her past two in Adelaide, albeit finishing out of the placings. She found the line when fifth in the Auraria Stakes (1800m) then fourth last week in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m). Three back she was beaten more than five lengths by Chairman's Stakes winner Athanatos. VERDICT: Expecting the boys to have her measure. 15 – FEMMINILE One paced type that should run the trip – the question is will she do it fast enough? Performed over staying trips during the spring, third over 2000m in the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield before failing in the VRC Oaks (2500m). OK to the line two back in the Auraria Stakes (1800m) then held her ground when beaten more than three lengths in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) last time. Drawn to get favours. VERDICT: Doubt she has the class to be a Group 1 winner. 16 – CHASE YOUR DREAMS – SCRATCHED 17e – CAPTAIN HILFIGER Gains a start and arrives here off a midfield finish in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week in a race that didn't favour those that raced in the second half of the field but his last 200m split didn't point to his looking for more ground. VERDICT: Not up to this. 18e – GLOBAL ECLIPSE Lightly raced colt that is yet to miss a placing in four starts, leading all of the way in his latest outing to record a six length victory in a Cranbourne Maiden over 2025m. Earlier this preparation he was close up behind the likes of Belle Detelle, Adrian Knox winner and solid Australian Oaks performer and Miss Alexis, ran well behind the placegetters in the Adrian Knox. VERDICT: Interesting runner, don't leave him out of the exotics. 19e – GIN RUMMY Won a Strathalbyn maiden two starts back over 1600m then last time he did make up a bit of ground from a hopeless position to record a midfield finish in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m), running the fourth best last 200m sectional. VERDICT: Unlikely to get a run but not the worst. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ TIPS 1st – STATUARIO (No. 2) 2nd – POLITELY DUN (No. 9) 3rd – LAVALIER (No. 8) 4th – CONFETTI GARDEN (No. 3) Originally published as South Australian Derby runner-by-runner form assessments and selections
News.com.au
01-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
South Australian Derby runner-by-runner form assessments and selections
The $1m South Australian Derby has drawn together a competitive line-up of three-year-old staying prospects and here is our form assessment of each of the runners. There was a field of 16 runners plus three emergencies declared for the 2500m contest. Here is a runner-by-runner analysis of every horse set to line up on Saturday. â– â– â– â– â– 1 – GOLDRUSH GURU Showed something of a return to form last start, albeit dropping sharply in grade when fifth in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m). They've been mixing the tactics this prep and drawn out, how will they ride him? Must settle but if he does, he's proven at the trip. VERDICT: Proving hard to catch but capable on his day. GOLDRUSH GURU wins the Penfolds Victoria Derby 🌟 It's a race to remember for @jamieleekah07 and Andrew Gluyas. 🎥 @wwos | #DerbyDay | #MelbCupCarnival — Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 2, 2024 2 – STATUARIO Only one poor run this prep when down the track in the Australian Guineas. Other than that he was good through the line when third behind Australian Derby placegetter Shanwah in the Alistar Clark (2040m) before winning the Galilee Final (2400m) at Caulfield last time. Fifth run of the prep and drawn soft. VERDICT: Shapes as one of the main players. Statuario is the dominant stayer! ðŸ'° Could the SA Derby be next for him? @Em_spartaracing — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) April 5, 2025 3 – CONFETTI GARDEN Three back he wasn't far behind Australian Derby placegetter Shanwah in the Autumn Classic (1800m) before starting favourite in the Tulloch Stakes, finishing fifth, beaten two lengths. Then flopped on the back-up in the Australian Derby. Lands here four weeks between runs with a tricky gate to overcome. VERDICT: Place claims are strongest, but he needs to lift. Pocketing gets there in an exciting finish to the G2 Tulloch Stakes! 🎉 @R1CHARDFREEDMAN | @willfreedman | @JoshuaParr8 | @YulongInvest | @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 1, 2025 4 – AMERICAN WOLF Announced himself as a contender when relishing the step up to a staying trip, coming from the back half of the field to prevail in a two-horse war over Litzdeel and her form ties into Statuario from their clash in the Galilee Final (2400m). Eight-day back-up and comes back slightly in trip, from 2800m to 2500m. Gets Mark Zahra but wide draw to overcome. VERDICT: One of the main players if he handles the back-up. American Wolf storms down the Flemingtonstraight to win the VRC St Leger with @JohnnyA_24 for @busuttin 🤩 — Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) April 25, 2025 5 – SAINT EMILION  He didn't fire a shot in his first two runs of 2025, failing to beat a runner home over 1400m and 1600m. Then last time out he improved drastically when fourth in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week. Last spring he won the Geelong Classic over 2200m en route to finishing midfield in the Victoria Derby. VERDICT: On the improve and not without First 4 prospects. It's back-to-back wins for Saint Emilion who shoots through to take out the Geelong Classic ðŸ'¥ @cmaherracing — (@Racing) October 23, 2024 6 – SNOOPY NOW Consistent SA gelding that was good late two back when winning the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) and last time out he produced the second best last 200m split in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m). Gives the impression he'll run the 2500m and he's drawn to get a decent run. VERDICT: one of the better chances coming out of the Chairman's Stakes. 7 – DUBAI FOCUS Consistent performer that's been around the mark in the lead up races. A two-time winner early in the prep, he was fourth in the Port Adelaide Guineas then last time out was third in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week where his final sectional indicates he was feeling the pinch late. VERDICT: Expect the trip to prove beyond him. Bred by @CornerstoneStud and Don Bloodstock Pty Ltd, the 3yo #SABred Sir Prancealot gelding Snoopy Now was too good for his rivals in the final race @SAJockeyClub on Saturday, breaking his maiden by winning the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) for trainer Darryl Hewitt.… — SAbreeders (@SAbreeders) April 13, 2025 8 – LAVALIER Godolphin galloper that has got better as the distances have increased. Magnificently bred being a sibling of Helmut, Epaulette, Pearls and Bullbars and there is staying performers in the dam line. No horse hit the line better than him in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week but will need some luck from the wide draw. VERDICT: The leading chance out of the Chairman's Stakes with luck early. Bring on the Derby! Athanatos joins the likes of Mummify and Dalasan as winners of the Chairman's Stakes. @pstokesracing @DanielStack33 — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) April 26, 2025 9 – POLITELY DUN Held his ground two back when fourth in the Alister Clark (2040m) then last time out he appreciated stepping up to 2400m when strong to the line, second, beaten 2-1/4 lengths by Statuario in the Galilee Final at Caulfield four weeks ago. Coming into form at the right time and drawn to get favours in running. VERDICT: Has solid credentials and can't be ruled out. Shanwah too good for them in the Alister Clark! ðŸ'° Could the Australian Derby be next for him? ðŸ'€ @cmaherracing @Brown_ethan8 — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) March 22, 2025 10 – ROCTAVE Kiwi stayer that's lightly raced. Broke through to win a maiden at Ellerslie over 2200m two back then stepped up sharply in class last time when racing near the speed and had his chance, finishing third in the Group 3 Trelawney Stud Stakes (2100m). Hard to line up the form but it was a true staying test in his last start. VERDICT: Wouldn't leave him out of the First 4s. In a truly run 2100 metre race that became a staying test, it's Kiwi Skyhalk who wins Race 7 from @Ellerslie_Races. That's 3 on the day for @marshracing. Another one for Contributer @MapperleyStud Owned by @BourbonLane — Trackside NZ (@TracksideNZ) April 19, 2025 11 – DARKNCONFIDENTIAL Consistent local galloper that's been competitive in the lead-up but has been beaten more than four lengths in his past two starts in the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) and the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week. His closing sectionals last start didn't indicate he want's more ground and has a wide gate to overcome. VERDICT: Will find this beyond him. Darknconfidential drops from Listed grade & is too strong late in the opener at Morphettville 🤫 — (@Racing) March 29, 2025 12 – COMPRESSING Started his career of in perfect fashion, winning a couple of low-grade races in Victoria – a 1606m maiden at Terang and a Benchmark 64 over 2080m at Cranbourne – prior to never getting into the race in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week. It was a slowly run race last time so want to be somewhat forgiving but will need some luck from the gate after drawing barrier 10. VERDICT: This is a big ask at start four. Compressing sustained a strong gallop to the line & wins at double-figure oddsðŸ'° G1 @JohnnyA_24 has won the last three races from Terang ðŸ'� @busuttin — (@Racing) March 21, 2025 13 – SCINTILLANTE Broke through winning his maiden at Sale over 1717m three starts back then stepped up sharply in grade and was solid, third in the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) before failing last time out when never sighting the bunny, always well back in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week but it should be noted he ran the fourth best last 200m split. Drawn to be closer this time. VERDICT: Can bounce back, each-way claims. Scintillante grits his teeth & wears down Northwood Vamoose, getting the bob in on the line ðŸ¤� @blake_shinn — (@Racing) March 30, 2025 14 – CAVITY BAY Has run well in her past two in Adelaide, albeit finishing out of the placings. She found the line when fifth in the Auraria Stakes (1800m) then fourth last week in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m). Three back she was beaten more than five lengths by Chairman's Stakes winner Athanatos. VERDICT: Expecting the boys to have her measure. "WHAT A QUALITY FILLY." Benagil wins the Australasian Oaks. The first Group 1 for Glen Thompson as a solo trainer after the passing of Mike Moroney. 😇 — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) April 26, 2025 15 – FEMMINILE One paced type that should run the trip – the question is will she do it fast enough? Performed over staying trips during the spring, third over 2000m in the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield before failing in the VRC Oaks (2500m). OK to the line two back in the Auraria Stakes (1800m) then held her ground when beaten more than three lengths in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) last time. Drawn to get favours. VERDICT: Doubt she has the class to be a Group 1 winner. Cinch finds the front early & clings on to take out the G3 Auraria Stakes for her third win in a row ðŸ'° @LindsayParkRace — (@Racing) April 12, 2025 16 – CHASE YOUR DREAMS – SCRATCHED 17e – CAPTAIN HILFIGER Gains a start and arrives here off a midfield finish in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m) last week in a race that didn't favour those that raced in the second half of the field but his last 200m split didn't point to his looking for more ground. VERDICT: Not up to this. It's a cruisy first win for Captain Hilfiger who makes it an easy watch for favourite backers 🫡 @gelagotisracing @bennallen44 — (@Racing) October 8, 2024 18e – GLOBAL ECLIPSE Lightly raced colt that is yet to miss a placing in four starts, leading all of the way in his latest outing to record a six length victory in a Cranbourne Maiden over 2025m. Earlier this preparation he was close up behind the likes of Belle Detelle, Adrian Knox winner and solid Australian Oaks performer and Miss Alexis, ran well behind the placegetters in the Adrian Knox. VERDICT: Interesting runner, don't leave him out of the exotics. Global Eclipse first, daylight second 🙌 The son Pierata looks like a nice staying prospect. @BMelham @MickPriceRacing — (@Racing) April 18, 2025 19e – GIN RUMMY Won a Strathalbyn maiden two starts back over 1600m then last time he did make up a bit of ground from a hopeless position to record a midfield finish in the Chairman's Stakes (2000m), running the fourth best last 200m sectional. VERDICT: Unlikely to get a run but not the worst. "An easy watch for favourite punters." Gin Rummy is off & gone heading into the weekend ðŸ'° — (@Racing) April 11, 2025 â– â– â– â– â– TIPS 1st – STATUARIO (No. 2) 2nd – POLITELY DUN (No. 9) 3rd – LAVALIER (No. 8)
The Australian
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Tsitsipas can bounce back from Derby flop and serve up win in VRC St Leger at Flemington
Failing to win the Australian Derby is no barrier to claiming the VRC Leger at Flemington. Three of the last 12 VRC St Leger winners had their last starts in the Australian Derby before relishing the steep class drop in the traditional Anzac Day feature. Tsitsipas will attempt to join the likes of Hippopus (2013), Sacramento (2020) and Alegron (2022) by bouncing back from a Sydney defeat to win the Listed contest. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Tsitsipas finished 14 lengths from the brilliant winner Aeliana in this year's Australian Derby, but co-trainer Trent Busuttin said little went right for the gelding at Randwick. 'We were hoping to go up there and get a wet track but that didn't happen,' Busuttin, who trains Tsitsipas in partnership with Natalie Young, said. 'I'm not saying he would have won or been in the finish of that race but he drew wide and was basically three and four-wide without cover the whole way and ran accordingly.' Fortunately for connections, Tsitsipas took no harm from his tough Sydney trip. Busuttin noted Tsitsipas went into the Australian Derby with a bigger than desired gap between runs, meaning the son of Japanese stallion Staphanos would be fitter for the VRC St Leger. Tsitsipas will drop sharply in class when he contests Friday's VRC St Leger at Flemington. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images 'It's the ideal race for him because he probably lacked the class for the Sydney Derby,' Busuttin said. 'He's pulled up well but the way it panned out, he was seven weeks between runs. 'He's come back and bounced through the trip so it looks a good progression for him.' • Mother Nature no friend to The Valley track Tsitsipas is the highest-rated runner in the VRC St Leger on 70, which advantaged him under the set weight scale of $200,000 race. Busuttin said the staying test would present a great chance for the promising stayer to compete for good money against lower-rated opposition. 'It's a $200,000 race and he's fit, happy and healthy,' Busuttin said. 'He will stay the 2800(m) no dramas.' Tsitsipas is a $6 chance in early VRC St Leger betting behind the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Format, who failed to beat a runner home at his last outing in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill. American Wolf will step up in class when he tackles Friday's Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images • 'Dream for all of us': Trainers always believed in their Oaks filly Tsitsipas's stablemate American Wolf is a $9 chance but Busuttin said the developing stayer faced a test against tougher opposition than his last start. 'He's won a maiden at Ballarat by a nose but he's a big, rangy, skinny New Zealand type of staying three-year-old,' Busuttin said. 'He's an old-style sort of horse. 'He's by Tivaci so there would be a query over the distance but he's out of a Zabeel mare and looking at him, he's definitely thrown to the dam side.' Craig Newitt will ride Tsitsipas while John Allen will be aboard American Wolf.
