Unbeaten colt poised for Aussie debut

Wednesday 13 February 2013, 5:40pm

Chris Waller is renowned for his vision in sourcing and guiding stayers from Europe.

As Sydney's reigning premier trainer and with 96-1/2 winners already this season, he is also undisputedly one of the best at his trade.

But on Saturday at Rosehill, Waller will saddle up a runner who could lead him into new career territory.

Unbeaten three-year-old Sacred Falls will make his Australian debut in the Group Two Royal Sovereign Stakes (1200m).

Already a Group One winner in his homeland, Sacred Falls is a well bred colt and if he measures up to a similar level in Australia a stud career beckons.

He is by top New Zealand sire O'Reilly out of a Redoute's Choice mare, Iguazu's Girl.

Many of Waller's best gallopers have been mares or geldings and Sacred Falls potentially offers him the chance to showcase his skills as a sire-shaper.

However, the Rosehill conditioner says Sacred Falls won't be treated any differently than his stablemates.

"The only thing you can do is your best and we do that for all our horses, whether they be maidens, high-priced imports from overseas or cheap geldings," Waller said.

Sacred Falls was prepared by Tony Pike in New Zealand where his six wins included the Group One 2000 Guineas over 1600 metres.

Waller has watched footage of all of the colt's starts and likes what he sees.

"I've watched all of them and he was very new early days and still won. His last start was at the end of a long preparation and he dug deep to win so he's got a bit of fight."

He has also been encouraged by Sacred Falls' attitude but said it was difficult to get a line on his capabilities through his trackwork.

"He's a nice horse. Very professional. He turns it on on race day by all reports," Waller said.

"He's a reserved track worker and a very laid back horse. You wouldn't know he was in the stable which is a good attribute for a colt.

"Tony Pike from New Zealand prepared him and he handed him over to me in perfect condition. Credit to what he's done and we're still using his input."

Sacred Falls' regular partner Leith Innes will make the trip across the Tasman to ride.

Waller confirmed Mamwaazel would be his only runner in the Listed Widden Stakes (1100m) with Calming Influence to be saved for another week after drawing wide in a tough race.

A debut winner in midweek grade at Warwick Farm, Mamwaazel has drawn gate two and Waller is keen to see how she handles the class rise.

"I wouldn't say she's a Golden Slipper horse but Saturday will tell us yes or no," he said.

– AAP

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