Via Sistina (+130) has given rivals a galloping lesson in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, producing a blistering debut for the Chris Waller stable.
The newly acquired European import was first-up after being purchased by the Yulong ownership for a staggering $5.5 million.
She repaid the faith immediately, bringing her quality European form to the fore, careering away from her rivals in a slowly run Ranvet Stakes, stamping herself as the one to beat in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13.
There was no early speed on paper, which eventuated on Saturday, as Think It Over (+210) was forced to lead them up throughout the 2000m journey.
Military Misson (+1600) lobbed to his outside, while Via Sistina and Place Du Carrousel (+500) dropped in for cover.
James McDonald was happy to sit quietly aboard the firming favourite with online bookmakers, allowing Via Sistina to go through her gears at the rear of the field turning for home.
There was only one horse you wanted to be on, however, as the six-year-old cruised up to her opposition before putting them away in stylish fashion.
Place Du Carrousel made it a one-two for Yulong connections, while Buckeroo (+800) and Think It Over were left to fight out the minors.
2024 Group 1 Ranvet Stakes Replay – Via Sistina
All eyes were on the ultra-talented import delivering on Saturday, and Chris Waller couldn’t have been happier with the performance, speaking with media post-race.
“She is a privilege to train,” said Waller.
“(Her former UK trainer) George Boughey has done a fantastic job with her career. She is very lightly raced.
“James Ferguson prepared her for us from Newmarket and we’ve put the finishing touches on her the last three weeks.
“In fact, we haven’t really, we’ve just backed off, she came across very fit so we haven’t panicked, we’ve just kept her safe and in good shape.
“It didn’t look like much (speed) on paper and that was a concern, but to amble up and for James (McDonald) to be sitting motionless at the 200, it was pretty good to watch.”
James McDonald was delighted by the performance of his mare and noted her versatility in his post-race assessment.
“She’s got a big motor and, dare I say it, I think she’ll improve off that,” said McDonald.
“Slow speed, fast speed, wet or dry, it doesn’t matter.
“(Off a) fast pace she is going to really let rip. A big field will help her too over the Randwick 2000, so we’re looking forward to that in two or three weeks.
“Her work has been good, but I thought she’d improve off her work so that’s something to go there with huge confidence.”
Via Sistina has been backed into a clear +130 favourite for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13.
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