Racing: Waltzes quick steps to Flemington

MELBOURNE - A soaring rating this campaign has earned consistent sprinter Waltzes a crack at his first feature race at Flemington.

Warrnambool trainer Jarrod McLean said the five-year-old deserved his chance at tomorrow's Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) after jumping 17 rating points from 75 to 92 in his last three starts.

"He is in form at the moment and it looks a good option for him," McLean said.

"He has just kept taking the steps and only just got beaten last start."

The winner of six of his 12 starts, Waltzes will be ridden for the first time by Damien Oliver.

The son of Bel Esprit has opened at A$15 with TAB Sportsbet for tomorrow's straight-course event while interstate sprinters Stirling Grove from Adelaide and Sydney's Cardinal Virtue lead the market at A$2.80 and A$6.50 respectively.

This campaign Waltzes won his first two starts at Moonee Valley over 955m and 1000m and last start was on the losing end of a three-way photo when bloused by the fast-finishing Silver Bullion and Big Spirit in near record time.

Both horses are again among Waltzes' rivals tomorrow with Big Spirit at A$11 and Silver Bullion at A$17.

- AAP