29.08.2008, EYES ON THE PRIZE

TRAINER Chris Waller has confirmed outstanding Triple Honour will barrier trial without blinkers today in preparation for next week’s Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick.

Waller has made the decision to remove the blinkers from his stable star after he showed an inclination to run in under pressure when scoring a brilliant first-up win in the Premiere Stakes two weeks ago.

“The blinkers are coming off and we will see how he goes in the trial without them,” Waller said.

Doncaster Handicap hero Triple Honour is scheduled to contest a 1200m heat at Warwick Farm. His opponents include stablemates Bellagio Wynn and Enzedex Eagle.

Waller said Triple Honour needs the hit-out to ensure he is tuned up for the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick next Saturday. He also revealed Triple Honour will then contest either the Group One George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 27 or the Group One Epsom Handicap over the same course and distance a week later.

“He won’t run in both races,” Waller explained.

“The weight he gets in the Epsom isn’t necessarily the determining factor as to which race we target. It is mainly about timing and doing what is right with the horse.”

Sydney race fans are hopeful Triple Honour and superstar Racing To Win clash at some point this spring. The likely race seems the George Main Stakes at weight-for-age although it would be a major boost for the Randwick spring carnival if they clashed in the Epsom.

TAB’s fixed odds arm released their first Epsom Handicap betting markets this week with Racing To Win favourite at $4.50 just shading Triple Honour at $5.

Waller has had a huge week, winning three races at the AJC’s Newcastle meeting on Tuesday and backing up with a double at Canterbury the following day.

With 10 wins already for the season, Waller is only one behind Gai Waterhouse in the Sydney trainers premiership – but he is not entertaining thoughts of winning the title.

“I wouldn’t think so,” Waller replied when asked if he could win his first trainers premiership.

“I’d be happy if we came third again and finished with about the same prizemoney ($3.5 million) as we won last season.

“I’m not one to set specific goals for the stable, anyway. We have had a good start to the season, I just hope we can maintain the momentum.”

Waller has five entries for the Rosehill Gardens meeting tomorrow – promising Bright Mind (IGA Handicap), Stacked and Tucson (Dry-It Handicap), Humma (The Nova Achiever Handicap) and Hurrah (Premier’s Cup).

“We have got some competitive chances,” Waller said. “I just want to get them to the races as fit as I can and hope for luck on the day.”

FORENSICS, the only horse to complete the Golden Slipper-Golden Rose double, moves closer to a race comeback when she barrier trials at Warwick Farm today.

Trainer Peter Snowden’s glamour mare has been entered for an 800m heat, her first public hit-out since failing on the wet track behind Triple Honour in the Doncaster last April.

By Ray Thomas

27.08.2008, MAIDEN WIN FOR BABY CASINO

From Widden Stud Website

Sydney, August 26 – Leading trainer Chris Waller’s happy association with yearlings purchased from Widden Stud continued at the metro meeting at Newcastle on Tuesday when Johannesburg (USA) four year-old Baby Casino scored an overdue win in the 1500 metre maiden.

Runner-up at his three previous starts, Baby Casino was ridden a heady race by Corey Brown, leading throughout and forging clear to win by a length and a half.

Raced by a syndicate that includes TVN commentator Richard Callander’s wife Kay, Baby Casino was purchased by Chris Waller for $70,000 from the Widden draft at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

A half-brother to good metropolitan winners Bellagio Wynn, Warm Ride and High Heel Shooter, Baby Casino is from Hunting Gal, a half-sister to stakes-placed Imposing Bull and Secretaire.

Chris Waller is no stranger to success with a Widden purchase, having secured his Group One AJC Doncaster Handicap winner Triple Honour for just $50,000 from the Widden draft at the 2006 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.