Randwick Rating Plays Into Waller’s Hands

A slow rating for the Randwick course proper had trainers raising eyebrows on Wednesday, particularly given the inside Kensington circuit was in the good range.

While most of Sydney has enjoyed clear skies, Randwick was dumped with 22mm of rain eight days ago and hasn’t recovered.

There was no such problem for the all-weather Kensington surface, designed to cope with large amounts of water, but Australian Turf Club racecourse manager Lindsay Murphy said he was satisfied with the condition of the course proper given the rain and time of year.

“We could have done without it. The track was aerated just prior and then came the 22 mils,” Murphy said.

“We have nice days and people think it will improve but it’s a bit deceptive because the nights are cool and the soil temperature has dropped.”

Murphy said he would consider rolling the track on Thursday to help it improve into the dead range but conceded the effectiveness of the procedure was hit-and-miss.

Chris Waller is one trainer happy Saturday’s meeting will be conducted on a rain-affected track.

While stayers have been the foundation of his training success, surprisingly none has been able to win the Listed McKell Cup (2400m).

Waller will get his best chance yet to rectify that in a race he dominates numerically with five of the 14 acceptors.

Based at Rosehill, Waller was unaware of the heavy rain at Randwick last week and expressed surprise at the slow rating.

“I was scared it was going to be a good two,” Waller said.

“It would be nice to see a dead to slow track for the majority of my runners because they will all appreciate it, with the exception of Permit.”

Secessio, Wazn, Sacred Flyer and Madam Nash round out Waller’s McKell quintet with the trainer confirming Saturday’s race will be the last for Madam Nash who will be sold at a broodmare sale in Queensland.

Secessio sits highest in the trainer’s pecking order of chances after he ranged up to win the Lord Mayor’s Cup last start before his condition gave out and he finished third.

“On that run last start I think he’s the one to beat,” Waller said.

– AAP

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