De Armas handed early Group One opportunity
Former New Zealand filly De Armas (NZ) (Ardrossan) will get an early opportunity to make her mark at the highest level for Chris Waller when she contests Saturday’s Gr.1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
The OTI purchase has made just one appearance for the champion trainer, catching the eye with a late finish for fifth over 1200m at Warwick Farm last week.
Carrying 61kg, De Armas was last at the 200m before finding the line strongly, earning herself a shot at the seven-horse fillies’ feature.
Waller acknowledged the step up in company was ambitious, but a favourable draw in barrier one had encouraged connections to take their chance after wide barriers repeatedly delayed her return.
“She did a good job in New Zealand, and we have looked after her by giving her plenty of time,” Waller said.
“Unfortunately, she has been delayed by multiple wide barrier draws. It is a bit of a throw at the stumps, but she has drawn well, so there is no reason not to run.”
De Armas was previously trained by Johno Benner in New Zealand and transferred across the Tasman following her fourth placing in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m).
While clearly talented, De Armas faces a significant test against a field that includes stablemate Striking Alibi (Hanseatic).
The former Western Australian filly has placed behind Bangkok Hottie (Too Darn Hot) in both the Gr.2 Furious Stakes (1200m) and Gr.2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) since joining Waller.
With James McDonald aboard and a good draw (barrier 2), Waller believes Striking Alibi brings the right credentials to Saturday’s contest.
“Her two runs in Sydney have attracted some good comments, and the ratings from those runs are good enough for what she needs to be running in this race,” he said.
“James McDonald rides her, and she has a good draw, so it will be a battle of tactics with the small field.”
Waller is seeking a fourth Flight Stakes victory, having previously won with Funstar (Adelaide), Zougotcha (Zoustar) and Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel).
Meanwhile at Flemington on Saturday, Waller expects Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) to put her best foot forward in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) following her last-start runner-up effort behind Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun).
“Her work was good this week at Flemington. She is ready to run well,” he said.
“She does carry a penalty for being a multiple Group One winner, but she is a good horse.”
Waller is also looking forward to seeing New Zealand and Australian Oaks winner Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park) step up to 2000m.
“She will love the 2000m,” he said. “2000m will give us a really good gauge on where she is at.” – NZ Racing Desk
