Chris Waller & James McDonald have combined early on Derby Day, with Aeliana ($5.50) proving far too classy for her rivals in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday afternoon.
The daughter of Castelvecchio put the writing on the wall last time out, producing a stunning turn-of-foot to claim victory in the Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick on October 19, going on with the job to score in similarly dominant fashion.
McDonald was patient aboard the three-year-old filly, dragging back to last in the small field of seven, allowing the like of Acta Non Verba ($9.50) and well-supported favourite Feroce ($2.40) to tick over some moderate sectionals in the middle stages.
Feroce looked to be trucking into the home turn and gave a strong kick under the urgings of Billy Egan, however, McDonald was only just beginning to get warm aboard Aeliana, swallowing up her rivals in an instant to put the race to bed with a furlong left to travel.
Another Prophet ($10.00) and Stylish Secret ($8.50) were putting in the big strides late, but it was to no avail as Aeliana was already off and gone with the prize.
2024 Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes Replay – Aeliana
It was the perfect start for what’s sure to be a long week for Chris Waller as he spoke post-race.
“It’s always good to get off the mark and put a boundary on our first ball,” said Waller.
“Because it’s a great week. As a coach of horses, you just need a little bit of confidence, and it allows everything to flow.
“She’s a talented filly, she won well in Sydney last time, and she’s brought that Sydney form today.
“Thousand Guineas in two weeks’ time (next assignment), a Group One race for her own sex.
“Today, she’s beaten the boys, so she’ll go back and face the girls. It’s a good process to try and get a horse up in the grade each time they race and he’s made that right step today.
“It’s a fantastic change to the program. It allows us to give horses a bit more time and lets the young stars come through, and she’ll be there too.”
McDonald was delighted with the victory and suggested there’s more to come from this progressive filly.
“Brilliant performance and she’s a promising filly,” said McDonald.
“She executed well and she came with a well-timed run, and was too good.
“She actually sprung the lids beautifully so she could have easily taken up a more prominent position but took her back and then chimed in and was way too good.
“She’s done plenty of work (running the Melbourne way) at home. We’ve galloped her and she went really well. Most pleasing part, she handled a Good 4, so she just doesn’t need soft ground.”
“She’s got a long way to go to meet Fangirl but she’s well on her way!”
Aeliana is now a clear $4.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) on November 16.
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