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Waller Lines Up Small Team For Villiers Stakes

3 minute read

The Chris Waller stable may have only two starters in Saturday’s $250,000 Villiers Stakes at Randwick.

Waller’s team confirmed that promising import Mister Sea Wolf would be a starter and he may be joined by the in-form gelding Torgersen.

Torgersen has been racing in Queensland out of Waller’s newly established Gold Coast stable and has been placed at his last two starts in Brisbane including a last start second the Listed Recognition Stakes (1600m) at Doomben on November 25.

Torgersen
Torgersen Picture: Racing and Sports

Torgersen has a liking for Randwick where he boasts a win and Group placings in the G2 Bill Ritchie and G3 Frank Packer Plate.

However there are high expectations for Mister Sea Wolf after the former accomplished UK performer finished a close second in his Australian debut in the G3 Festival Stakes (1400m) won by Testashadow at Rosehill on December 2.

Waller’s racing manager Charles Duckworth said Mister Sea Wolf, the winner of six races in the UK up to 1609m, had pleased the stable since his Rosehill placing.

“Mister Sea Wolf has galloped really well. He is a very tractable horse,” Duckworth reported.

“Often our Europeans have faults and chinks in their armour but he seems to be faultless.

“He switches off, handles most conditions and has his fair share of ability.”

Duckworth said Torgersen’s form in Queensland was worthy of a Villiers start.

“Torgersen might come down from Queensland. He is in good shape and races better fresh,” he said.

The Villiers Stakes is a special race for Waller as it marked one of the champion trainer’s earliest Group wins at Randwick when Honor In War beat Takeover Target on protest in 2008 when the race was run over 1400m.

Waller has only the one Villiers win on his record with just two minor placings in the race since his 2008 success.

Rising Godolphin star Interlocuter is set to contest the Villiers after a pleasing third in a barrier trial over 1030m at Rosehill last Friday.

The classy five-year-old has been kept fresh since he won over 1900m at Rosehill on November 18 to complete an impressive treble of wins including a double at Randwick over 1600m and 1800m.


Racing and Sports

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