Chris Waller’s association with Verry Elleegant is only limited but the talented-yet-erratic filly on Saturday continued the champion trainer’s impressive recent record in the Phar Lap Stakes in Sydney.
Waller has now won four of the past five editions of the Group 2 contest at Rosehill, with Verry Elleegant joining Winx (2015), Foxplay (2017) and Unforgotten (2018).
Those mentioned have all subsequently been victorious at Group 1 level and Waller confirmed post-race that Verry Ellegant will get her opportunity in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on March 30.
“How far she gets this prep I’m not sure, obviously we will go a bit higher,” Waller said.
“There is certainly room for the improvement, she seems to have some class there.
“The Vinery seems logical and a nice stepping stone, she had a minor setback after her first-up run, which was well documented, so I guess she is a little fresh.
“Hopefully with today’s run it brings her back and she gets a bit of confidence, she certainly has the ability there, a few little changes and she will be right on the job.
“It is not something you can change quickly, I think it is just time, let them relax and be horses.
“As you can see, we have the nose roll on, I’m not sure it is helping, maybe we take it off, I don’t know.
“We won’t worry about it today, we will enjoy the win, it has been a good race for us and hopefully this year is no different.”
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Verry Elleegant was heavily backed and started a dominant favourite in the Phar Lap Stakes, with James McDonald positioning her on the back of the leaders from barrier one.
Seabrook led the field into the home straight and was game in defeat but was no match for Verry Elleegant when the pressure was applied on the Heavy track.
Kennedy Oaks winner Aristia finished third for Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra.
“She’s very good. She needs to relax better. It’s hard to explain, she’s awkward rather than being fierce,” said McDonald.
“She just doesn’t give herself a rest. I think she just wants to go a bit quicker. Give her a fast-run race and you’d see something.
“She is bred to stay, will go for another lap. Took me an age to pull her up.” – Racing.com
