Sydney trainer Chris Waller is hoping for an ounce of luck with New Zealand-bred mare Shillelagh in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

 

The seven-year-old daughter of Savabeel will jump from a wide gate, but Waller said she will appreciate the step up to 2000m after two unplaced efforts over 1400m and 1800m this time in.

 

“She has drawn gate 10 of 15 but she loves Flemington and there was nothing wrong with her first two runs,” Waller said. 

 

“She will certainly appreciate the 2000m distance. 

 

“She had no luck when running in a similar race, being the Mackinnon Stakes, during the Spring Carnival, so hopefully she gets a bit more luck go her way and we would expect her to be finishing off very strongly over the concluding stages.”

 

Shillelagh is raced by her Hunterville-based breeder, Christopher Grace and began her career in New Zealand where she was a four-time winner for Te Akau Racing.

 

 

 

 

Promising juvenile The Green Dragon impressed his connections with his first-up third-placing at Counties last month and they are hoping he is now on a Group One path.

 

The Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained colt has left an impression on Gerard and she said he will likely head to Matamata next week to continue his preparation towards the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni later this month.

 

“I love this horse, I think he is going to be a really good horse,” Gerard said. “It was a huge run (at Counties) considering he has only had the one trial.

 

“I think he has got a lot of untapped ability there. He’s still learning and is a very laidback colt.

 

“He will probably head to Matamata midweek. He is nominated for the Sires’, so fingers-crossed. I have a high opinion of him.”