She followed up her previous success in the G2 Phar Lap S. with an authoritative display in Saturday’s feature over 2000 metres run on her preferred rain-affected going to strengthen her G1 Australian Oaks claims.
Verry Elleegant has very much been a work in progress for trainer Chris Waller, who is winning the battle of wits with the filly and his gear tinkering paid a dividend.
“She’s very smart obviously and she’s taken a bit of working out,” he said. “We had the confidence to take some gear off and extra gear on.”
Waller opted to remove the nose roll and race Verry Elleegant in ear muffs in a bid to get her to settle better in the running and was quite open during the week of his plan.
“She’s very smart obviously and she’s taken a bit of working out.” – Chris Waller.
“You’ve got to tell the punters and the ear muffs helped her settle and she’s got all the talent.”
With her stout pedigree, Verry Elleegant is expected to master 2400 metres in the Oaks, but Waller will give no thought to taking on the colts and geldings in the G1 Australian Derby next Saturday.
James McDonald and Verry Elleegant returning to scale after her G1 Vinery S. win
“She doesn’t like the seven day back-up, hence we didn’t run her in the Australian Guineas,” he said.
“The Oaks in two weeks’ time will do and we’ll go there with confidence.”
“She doesn’t like the seven day back-up, hence we didn’t run her in the Australian Guineas.” – Chris Waller.
Verry Elleegant was settled midfield on the fence by James McDonald and he was able to angle her off the fence across the top. To keep her mid on the job, he gave her a smack with the whip 500 metres from home and she responded positively.
Verry Elleegant strode to the front 200 metres from home and it was game over from that point and she coasted home without being pushed right out.
“It was a pretty significant decision to make and it’s worked out well.” – Chris Waller.
The filly travelled a lot more kindly for McDonald on this occasion, a direct result of Waller’s decision to make changes.
“We’re talking a $2 favourite against the likes of Nakeeta Jane, who has form around The Autumn Sun,” he said.
“It was a pretty significant decision to make and it’s worked out well.”
James McDonald celebrates as he returns to scale aboard Verry Elleegant
As she had done when runner-up in the G3 Kembla Grange Classic, Frankely Awesome (Frankel) made up plenty of ground from the back of the field for second.
The G1 VRC Oaks winner Aristia (Lonhro) boxed on well enough for third with Seabrook (NZ) (Hinchinbrook) a game fourth and Nakeeta Jane (So You Think {NZ}) next home.
The G1 Surround S. winner raced in behind the leader, but was unable to accelerate in the trying conditions and a firmer surface is key to her reproducing her best form in the future.
Haripour lands Bendigo feature
The Waller stable also enjoyed success at the Bendigo meeting with Haripour (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) claiming one of the features on the card, the Listed bet365 Official Price Guarantee Golden Mile.
Raced by Yulong, the 5-year-old entire was making the second appearance of his autumn campaign and showed marked improvement on his unplaced run when resuming in the Listed Seppelt S. over 1400 metres at Flemington.
He has excelled over longer distances, but in a relatively fresh state was able to carry the day.
“I was very conscious to build him up and work through the line and obviously the further the better for him,” successful rider Michael Dee said.
Haripour won up to 2600 metres in his native Ireland before transferring to Waller’s yard and was successful over 2400 metres in the spring when claiming the Listed Ansett Classic at Mornington.
