Racing: Waller ready for Randwick

The Metropolitan (2400m) contender Patrick Erin. Photo / Bradley Photography

Former New Zealand galloper Patrick Erin will be tested at group one level for the second time in Australia tomorrow and his trainer Chris Waller believes the distance and track conditions should suit the Gallant Guru seven-year-old.

The gelding, formerly trained in New Zealand by Brian and Shane Anderton, will step up to 2400m in the group one The Metropolitan, on what is rated a soft5 track at Randwick, after finishing fourth last-start in the group three Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) on the same track.

"I am very excited by this horse's chances, the soft track certainly won't worry him and he is a very tough horse," expat Kiwi Waller said yesterday from Sydney.

"Forget his age, he is typical of a horse like Who Shot Thebarman. In fact, he is from the same area, if not the same farm Who Shot Thebarman was born.

"They are good, tough New Zealand horses and will excel stepping up to this trip.

"He has only had the two runs this preparation but he is a lightly framed horse and very clean-winded, so he is ready to peak on Saturday.

"The good draw [barrier 4] will afford him a nice run, he has a good jockey aboard [Corey
Brown], so there is plenty to like about his chances."

Another former Kiwi galloper that will step out for Waller in the same race is The Lord Mayor.

Formerly trained in New Zealand by Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, the Rock 'n' Pop four-year-old has been in fine form of late, winning his two most recent starts in Sydney.

"He has won his last two, he ran fourth in the New Zealand Derby after doing a lot of work. Based on that, I think he will improve stepping up to 2400m," Waller said. "Jay Ford rides from gate seven and he is backing up within seven days, but I don't see that as being a problem. He is fit and healthy and he is a genuine lightweight chance."

- NZ Racing Desk