Waller Trained Kiwi Breds Looking to Topple Zaaki

Media Release - Thursday May 19

Chris Waller is hoping to upset the apple cart in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m).

Polly Grey will lead the Waller charge - image Steve Hart

The leading Sydney trainer will line-up a quartet of runners, including three New Zealand-breds, against short-priced favourite Zaaki.

Polly Grey and Kukeracha finished second and third respectively behind Zaaki in the Gr.2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) last start, while fellow Kiwi-bred Kolding will be looking to recapture form on Saturday, but Waller said he will only start if the track improves from its heavy rating.

Advertisement


"It's going to be a tough race," Waller said. 

"I'm not expecting to beat Zaaki, but Polly Grey is racing well, she showed that last start and she is probably in the best form of her career. 

"(But) I think he had a bit in reserve last start, he will probably improve with the run and we saw how dominant he was in the race last year." 

Polly Grey is an $8 chance and the only one of Zaaki's nine rivals rated at single-figure odds. 

She is sure to relish the wet conditions with all 11 of her career wins coming on rain-affected tracks. 

Polly Grey was initially trained in New Zealand by Kylie Fawcett, who remains in the ownership, and won six of her 17 starts in her homeland, including the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m).

Waller said stablemate Kukeracha has continued to thrive in Brisbane, but like Polly Grey, is probably racing for the minor spoils. 

"Kukeracha seems to love Queensland," Waller said.

"He won the Queensland Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) last winter, his two runs up there this autumn have been really good and 2000m should be no problem."

Kukeracha was bred by former Waikato Stud vet Dr Chris Phillips and purchased out of the Matamata nursery’s 2019 draft at Karaka on Morgan’s behalf for $130,000 by bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster. – NZ Racing Desk

 

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday November 20
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.