3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Via Sistina claims the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Via Sistina (C Waller/J McDonald) - $2.30F
2nd: Place Du Carrousel (A&S Freedman/T Berry) - $6
3rd: Buckaroo (C Waller/R Moore) - $9
Winning Time: 2:04.49 Last 600m: 33.48
Margins: 1¼L x ½ Head
It all pays off for Via Sistina, who’s added another G1 to her name as she wins the Ranvet Stakes for her first win in Australia!@aus_turf_club @mcacajamez @cwallerracing pic.twitter.com/oaTXtmse2u
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 23, 2024
Winning Trainer: Chris Waller
On her arrival in Australia for Yulong: "A welcome addition.
"(They're) a great team, Yulong, to purchase the horse and they've been great supporters of mine all the way through.
"They're a real powerhouse of the future and they deserve these types of successes.
On her career to date: "She is a privilege to train. (Her former UK trainer) George Boughey has done a fantastic job with her career. She is very lightly raced.
"James Ferguson prepared her for us from Newmarket and we've put the finishing touches on her the last three weeks.
"In fact, we haven't really, we've just backed off, she came across very fit so we haven't panicked, we've just kept her safe and in good shape.
On her being the QEII fav now: "That's good to hear. I was a little surprised today, there was no speed but she picked up so quick.
"It didn't look like much (speed) on paper and that was a concern, but to amble up and for James (McDonald) to be sitting motionless at the 200, it was pretty good to watch."
Winning Jockey: James McDonald
On the mare's adaptability: "She's got a big motor and, dare I say it, I think she'll improve off that.
"Slow speed, fast speed, wet or dry, it doesn't matter.
On the campaign to come: "(Off a) fast pace she is going to really let rip. A big field will help her too over the Randwick 2000, so we're looking forward to that in two or three weeks.
"Her work has been good, but I thought she'd improve off her work so that's something to go there with huge confidence."
On her performance today: "She actually let out a little whinny out of the gates and I thought, 'what's going on here' because it doesn't mean good signs when they do that.
"But she's come here in good order and she's obviously going to be prepped up beautifully (for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes)."
On his 91st Group 1, holding daughter Evie with her toy bunny: "Hopefully we get to 92 today too. We've just named the bunny, Via Sistina. We're happy."
Beaten Jockeys:
Nash Rawiller (Think It Over): "I don't think he was at his best. Travelled beautifully in front and gave me a lovely ride. He was a bit reluctant to go into the gates today which is the first sign for me of a good horse that something isn't 100%. He was more than comfortable throughout the run. I felt when I really asked him to lengthen under pressure, he didn't quite do that like he normally does. At this stage fingers crossed that he has come through the race well. I'm sure he will, there is nothing seriously wrong. I think it's the first sign that it might be the time to back off."
Adam Hyeronimus (Military Mission): "I thought he's run fantastic."
Ryan Moore (Buckaroo): "He ran well."
Hugh Bowman (Zeyrek): "Had a beautiful run in transit. Probably should have gone up the fence."
Tommy Berry (Place Du Carrousel): "Just amazing. I expected that from her from her work during the week. It's nice to see when they can do it on race day. She will obviously appreciate getting over further but it was a nice starting point."
