Racing: Star southerner set to join Waller stable in Sydney

Patrick Erin (green, yellow) has an impeccable racing record.

Star southern stayer Patrick Erin is unlikely to race in New Zealand again.

The Brian and Shane Anderton trained 6-year-old will soon join leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller for an autumn campaign.

The horse's high place in the handicaps and a lack of suitable staying options in the South Island were behind the move, Brian Anderton said. "We are pretty disappointed with his rating and there is not much here for him in the South Island," he said.

Patrick Erin's main autumn target will be the A$2 million Sydney Cup on day two of The Championships at Randwick on April 14.

Confirming his place in that race would depend on how the Gallant Guru galloper adapted to the competitive Sydney scene.

"It's a $2 million race so it's a good target for him," Anderton said. A plan was hatched to send Patrick Erin to Sydney by the Andertons and the owners and the deal was formalised with Waller at the Karaka yearling sales last week. Waller was keen to have the star join Winx in his Sydney stable, Brian Anderton said.