Co-trainer Robert Wellwood insists Orchestral going even better since James McDonald last rode her
James McDonald knows Orchestral is a very talented filly but he could have a higher opinion of her after the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes on Saturday.
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Australian punters were warned.
Kiwi trainer Stephen Marsh’s representative Dean Williams said, “I don’t think the Aussies will know what hit them when she turns up” after Antrim Coast won at Group 2 level last Saturday.
She is Orchestral. She is now in Australia.
She’s a $1.60 chance to mark her Australian debut with victory in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
Co-trainer Robert Wellwood would love Williams to show himself a good judge.
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Williams had a first-hand look at Orchestral when she crushed Antrim Coast, who won the Alister Clark Stakes at The Valley, in the New Zealand Derby on March 2.
“I hope he’s right,” Wellwood, who trains Orchestral in partnership with Roger James, said.
While Orchestral is a long odds-on favourite to win the Vinery Stud Stakes, Wellwood said the presence of talented gallopers such a VRC Oaks winner Zardozi would present a tough challenge.
But Wellwood was confident New Zealand’s best three-year-old would measure up as long as she settled well into her Sydney surroundings after arriving on Tuesday night.
“The Vinery is going to be very strong,” Wellwood said.
“Zardozi looks very good and there’s probably two or three others, like the third and fourth horses from the Coolmore, that also look to have good ability.
“It’s going to come up a strong test but she’s a class filly and, as long as she travels over and settles in well to get to the race in the right order, she’s going to put up a pretty good performance I think.”
• Trainer ‘doesn’t know yet’ how good Orchestral can be
Champion jockey James McDonald will ride Orchestral for the second time after winning the Karaka Millions three-year-old race on the daughter of Savabeel in January.
Wellwood said McDonald could be in for a nice surprise when he rides Orchestral on Saturday.
“He knows a good horse when he sits on one and he was pretty complimentary of her,” Wellwood said.
“We believe she’s probably improved since he last sat on her.
“If that’s the case, I think she’s going to be pretty hard to beat on Saturday.”
Wellwood said Orchestral’s connections had plenty to think about after the Vinery Stud Stakes with the emerging star nominated for three races during The Championships.
The Australian Derby, Australian Oaks and Queen Elizabeth Stakes are all possible targets after Saturday’s race.
• Zardozi on song for Orchestral showdown: Marquand
“We’ll decide after Saturday,” Wellwood said.
“The Derby is a week back-up, which isn’t something we’ve done with her.
“The Oaks is probably the most logical option at this stage but the Derby is worth $1m more and the Queen Elizabeth is $4m more.
“But to be heading to a weight-for-age race, you’d be wanting to see what the other competition is and a be at the absolute top of your game to be doing something like that.”
Originally published as Co-trainer Robert Wellwood insists Orchestral going even better since James McDonald last rode her
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