Chris Waller filly Ahuriri proves size doesn’t matter in VRC St Leger victory

Chris Waller filly Ahuriri is small is stature but showed she is big in heart with a dominant win in the VRC St Leger at Flemington.

Ahuriri scored a comfortable win in the VRC St Leger at Flemington on Anzac Day. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

A lack of size failed to prevent the Chris Waller-trained Ahuriri dominating the latter stages of Thursday’s VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington.

Ahuriri ($3.60) gave away size to most of her rivals but the daughter of Almanzor let down impressively from the home turn to swamp the $3.30 favourite Alma Rise to score easily.

Ahuriri had finished midfield behind Good Banter and the subsequent Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel at her last run in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes in Sydney but reverted to Listed level for her Anzac Day test.

Winning rider Damian Lane said he expected a slow speed upfront early in the $200,000 contest so wanted to keep Ahuriri within striking distance throughout.

Ahuriri wins the 168th running of the VRC St Leger. Damian Lane with the perfect ride.#ANZACDay | 🎥 @racingpic.twitter.com/Z3bqIRWbuP

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) April 25, 2024

“I was mindful that the two to beat would probably be first and second in the run,” he said.

“I didn’t want to be giving it too big a headstart. I was able to get in a great position two or three lengths from the speed.

“When they went really steady that helped me get into the race on the turn, and her turn of foot was just way too good.

“She’s got stamina, she’s not very big but she’s got a lot of heart. That will take her a long way.”

Earlier, Waller had to settle for second with $51 chance Narbold in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m).

Jockey John Allen overcame the tricky barrier 10 to get Dundeel colt Epimeles home for his second win in as many starts.

Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young will aim the talented youngster at spring features but could decide to Epimeles north to Queensland for the Brisbane winter carnival.

Originally published as Chris Waller filly Ahuriri proves size doesn’t matter in VRC St Leger victory