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You’d expect champion trainer Chris Waller to enter the right horse to win a race named in his honour, and that’s certainly the case with ENVIABLE (3).
The daughter of Frankel ticked off her maiden win last start when easily accounting for her rivals by 2.62 lengths over 1400m at Newcastle.
She’ll strip fitter second-up and boasts strong black-type form, having finished runner-up in the Group 2 Fillies Classic and fourth in the Group 1 Flight Stakes last preparation.
James McDonald pilots and should give his mount every chance with a sweet run just behind the lead.
| 3. Enviable (4) J: James McDonald 58.5kg 742×1T: Chris Waller |
GRINZINGER CHAMP (1) has settled in well at Jack Bruce’s stable following a move from Danny O’Brien’s Victorian operation.
The Wootton Bassett mare worked home well first-up at Eagle Farm to finish 3.29 lengths fourth before storming home over this course and distance to win impressively by 1.23 lengths.
She won her only previous third-up race, which was her maiden at Kilmore.
Poor barriers forced Ben Thompson’s hand to settle back in her first two starts this preparation, but from a better draw here, he should land much closer in running.
| 1. Grinzinger Champ (4) J: Ben Thompson 60kg 15×41T: Jack Bruce |
TOUCHDOWN (10) raced in terrific form last preparation, winning four of his six races.
The Team Hayes-trained gelding returned in great order last start over 1400m on the Hillside track, settling well back from the wide barrier before letting down powerfully in the heavy conditions to finish 1.5 lengths second.
He’ll strip fitter second-up and will appreciate the rise to a mile, given he bolted in by 3.25 lengths over this distance last preparation.
In his first meeting riding since Melbourne Cup Day, Blake Shinn replaces the apprentice.
| 10. Touchdown (9) J: Blake Shinn 57kg 114×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
WAR MACHINE (1) looks ready to return to the form that saw him win the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Unfortunately, not a lot went right for him last preparation. He was found to be lame when resuming with a third in the Group 2 Australia Stakes before finishing 3.99 lengths 11th in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.
His last win came two preparations ago when resuming in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes over this course and distance with 60kg and Blake Shinn in the saddle.
He’s had two jump outs leading into this, and his most recent piece of work was excellent, with him braining his rivals including Ndola.
Shinn is back in the irons and should be able to stalk the speed.
Check out our complete 2026 Aurie’s Star Handicap Betting Tips, Predictions & Favourites!
| 1. War Machine (1) Scratched: | |||