The other Group 2 event on the card, the Silver Shadow Stakes (Race 5), also sees a Waller horse atop the betting with Omei Sword looking to produce a slashing first-up performance.
Speak Fondly (pictured above) won this race on her way to the Flight Stakes last year and Waller has mapped out a similar campaign for this filly, who was narrowly beaten in the Magic Night Stakes during her initial preparation and is said to be highly rated by the stable.
Jockey Brenton Avdulla, who has started the new season in fine form and booted home a double at Canterbury on Wednesday, should be able to give her a nice passage from the five alley and we expect her to be in the finish.
Her main opposition is expected to come from Manaya, a filly prepared by promising young trainer Michael Costa.
The Warwick Farm trainer created a huge impression on debut after storming home to capture the Woodlands Stakes at the Scone stand-alone Saturday meeting in May.
We’ve already seen some early interest for her since markets were released on Wednesday afternoon and will be on the lookout for any further money come raceday.
But Costa himself expressed reservations the horse may be a tad underdone having not had a longer break over the winter months.
Of the others, Calliope had the better of Omei Sword in the Magic Night and will be aided by the services of James McDonald, fresh off a stint of riding for the Godolphin camp at some feature meetings during the English summer while Quick Feet should improve off her run in the Rosebud.
Tips and Preview provided by UniBet.com.au
