One year after a life-threatening leg injury forced her out of the race, the resilient Fangirl is set to chase another Group 1 victory in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) on Saturday.
Now back at her best, she triumphed over stablemate Via Sistina first-up in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), before finishing closely behind the mare in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
“Fangirl has touched our hearts, she missed the race last year because of injury and she was in a bad way, so it’s great to have her back racing well and winning,” Waller told Racing NSW.
“She was favourite in the race when the problem happened last year, she’s a pretty special horse to us.
“The Apollo Stakes was a special win and she pushed Via Sistina last start. And I think both horses needed it.”
Fangirl galloped alongside Via Sistina at Rosehill on Saturday morning, with Waller pleased with the workouts of both mares.
“I’ll be interested to see how Fangirl runs because I think it’s her pet distance,” he said.
“She ran in it two years ago and wasn’t beaten far by Anamoe, and not everything went her way.
“She’s a bigger, stronger version of that, so I think she’s ready to peak.”
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