Stardome and jockey Luke Dittman return to the winner’s enclosure at Eagle Farm Photo: AAP
Improving stayer Stardome (NZ) (Savabeel) could add to trainer Chris Waller’s already strong hand in the Gr.3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) after his win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Waller had half the field in the Gr. 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben on May 30 where he produced the first six across the line and most are expected to back up in the Tattersall’s Cup.
The Tattersall’s Cup is the major staying race of the winter, after Racing Queensland scrapped the Gr. 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) and Listed Queensland Cup (3200m).
In-form jockey Luke Dittman cemented his association with Waller with his slugging win on Stardome in the Ascot Green Handicap (2200m).
Waller’s Queensland manager Paul Shailer said Stardome was gradually building up to a middle-distance win.
“He has been strong at the finish of a couple of 1400m and 1600m races and was ready for 2200m,” Shailer said.
“I think he is up to some of the better races in the winter. But Chris will make the decision about a Tatt’s Cup start after he looks at the likely field.
“As is evident, Chris know exactly which horses are suited in which races.”
Stardome is bred to be a genuine stayer being by Cox Plate winner Savabeel out of a Pentire mare in Celeste.
“One thing he is bred to get long distance,” Shailer said.
