Racing: Wall Street on track for Doncaster Mile

SYDNEY - After boldly predicting success for Marconee in Australia's coveted Doncaster Mile back in 1995, Awapuni trainer Jeff Lynds is taking a less bullish approach when weighing up the merits of his next hope, Wall Street.

Lynds makes his second attempt at the group one feature race over 1600m at Royal Randwick on Saturday, where victory would finally erase the disappointment of Marconee getting bogged down on a soft track 15 years ago.

"I thought he would bolt in but then it rained on the day and that was the end of that," Lynds reflected before crossing the Tasman yesterday to oversee Wall Street's preparations.

A commanding win in the group three Thompson Handicap at Trentham on March 20 - his eighth win in 13 starts - convinced Lynds to bring Wall Street to an Australian track for the first time.

He drew seven for the Doncaster, an encouraging sign though Lynds was only cautiously optimistic given the quality of the 20-strong field.

"There's no great expectations on the horse," he said.

"It's hard to quantify the difference of form in Australia and it's his first run right handed, but he's a horse that could give a bit of cheek."

Lynds was simply happy Wall Street had finally matured, after a frustrating time with injury and waywardness. "Twelve months ago they wouldn't let us race him.

"He was a horse that had a few problems within himself. He wouldn't go into the gate and that sort of thing."

Even if Wall Street fails to become the first New Zealand-trained horse since the legendary Sunline (1999 and 2002) to win the Doncaster, a strong showing could see him return to Australia.

"We're looking to see if he can cope with Australian standards and if he can do that we'll carry on with other adventures," Lynds said. The Cox Plate is one possible summer mission in Melbourne.

At least Wall Street, quoted at $23 on Australia's TAB Sportsbet yesterday but only $12 on the New Zealand TAB, should not be impeded like Marconee should the weather turn nasty at the weekend given he has twice triumphed on slow ground.

Jockey Opie Bosson, who rode Wall Street to victory at Trentham, was confident his battle to make the 53kg weight would be worth the effort.

"He's very talented, he's a top-class galloper but he'll have to bring his A-game," said Bosson, who has a perfect one-from-one record on the 5-year-old gelding.

"He hasn't really been tested in New Zealand. When's he won he's won with ease. He's got to the lead and had a bit of a look around."

Lynds also has Booming, second in last month's Auckland Cup, running in the listed Japan Racing Association plate (2000m) on Saturday, with Glen Boss to ride, and Vosne Romanee in next weekend's Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Meanwhile, $3 favourite and horse-of-the-year elect Typhoon Tracy aims for a fifth successive group one victory from barrier 14 - in what jockey Luke Nolen believes is her only realistic tilt at the Doncaster purse.

Typhoon Tracy, who has won the Myer Classic, Orr Stakes, Futurity and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes at her past four starts, carries 56.5kg in the Doncaster.

"This is probably the last year she is weighted to win these big handicaps," Nolen said.

"I don't think she is big enough like Sunline was, I don't think she could carry 58kg and win a Doncaster."

Gai Waterhouse's last-minute starter Theseo, a five-time group one winner, drew barrier 17.

- NZPA