A year after a painful loss in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Via Sistina delivered a dominant victory at Randwick, fulfilling Chris Waller’s long-held hopes of redemption.
Denied in 2023 when Pride Of Jenni stole the race from the front, Via Sistina returned with a mission and proved her standing as one of the elite middle-distance mares in the country with a commanding performance.
“She missed the race last year. We just miscalculated and full credit to Pride Of Jenni and Declan Bates and Ciaron (Maher), they won the race and they pulled our pants down,” Waller admitted.
This year, there were no such regrets as Via Sistina surged home to defeat Dubai Honour by 1-3/4 lengths. Asked if it was vindication, Waller replied, “It does. It was a tough day that day.”
Since joining Waller’s stable, Via Sistina has collected eight Group 1 victories, seven of which have come this season alone—an extraordinary haul.
“We’re still getting to know her. She is well into her twilight years but it’s scary really, how good she is,” Waller added.
After missing the start slightly, jockey James McDonald kept his cool, navigating through traffic and unleashing the mare’s explosive finish in the straight.
“There was one little worrying moment. I thought the one I was following was going to kick for a gap and he just didn’t go for it, and I ended up back off him,” McDonald said.
“But she was superior. Once I got those gaps, she sliced through and went bang.
“You could poke holes in her performances coming into today because she hasn’t been winning by big margins, but that’s the type of horse she is now. She only does what she has to.”
Dubai Honour endured a tough run from a wide gate, and jockey Tom Marquand wasn’t sure it made much difference to the result.
“Had a horrible run around. Whether it would have been enough to turn it around I don’t know,” Marquand said.
Tom Kitten produced a strong run to grab third place, while Ceolwulf closed off late into fifth after settling at the rear.
The day was even sweeter for Waller, who earlier captured the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) with Fangirl, capping a stellar day on Sydney’s biggest stage.
“It is special and its great to have the family here,” Waller said.
“It’s Sydney’s biggest day of racing. Everest is catching up but this is our big day.
“The good horses are here and there is some international flavour as well, which is great.”
