Champion trainer Chris Waller has shied away from making comparisons between his star Perth recruits, but he doesn’t hide his admiration for Arcadia Queen.
Arcadia Queen and Enticing Star joined Waller’s stable for a shot at the Sydney spring carnival and lead his bid for The Everest at Randwick on October 19.
Arcadia Queen, a daughter of Pierro, attracted national attention at last year’s Ascot carnival and is considered one of Australia’s hottest racing prospects.
In a stunning campaign she won the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m), the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) and the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
Enticing Star has won eight of ten races and finished powerfully when a half-length second to Victorian raider, Voodoo Lad in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
Waller is reluctant to compare the Bob Peters’-owned duo, but believes he has two quality gallopers in contention for Australia’s richest sprint race.
“I’ve just done the basics with them,” Waller said on Tabradio.
“They were sent over in terrific order and have thrived since being at our stable.
“I haven’t done anything special with them and they have done it all on raw ability as you would expect.
“They are very good horses, they are Group 1 horses, so to separate them just yet would be too hard.
“But obviously Arcadia Queen with what she has done is quite remarkable.
“Enticing Star hasn’t done anything wrong, but Arcadia Queen could just have that x factor about her.”
Arcadia Queen and Enticing Star, launched their Everest campaigns with top Rosehill trials on Tuesday.
Testa Rossa mare, Enticing Star, with Hugh Bowman aboard, cruised to the line untouched to win her heat by 1 ¼ lengths.
Arcadia Queen, under a strong hold for James McDonald, hit the line strongly to finish a half-length behind Greyworm in heat nine.
Waller said the feedback from both jockeys was positive.
“There were a lot of happy and smiling faces,” Waller said.
Arcadia Queen is currently quoted a $9 chance to win The Everest with Tabtouch.
She sits behind Santa Ana Lane ($5.50), Osborne Bulls ($6) and Pierata ($9).
Enticing Star is at $15.
Julio Santarelli
www.rwwa.com.au