Chris Waller import Via Sistina likely to follow Addeybb path and debut in Ranvet Stakes

A Group 1-winning mare in Europe has joined the stable of Chris Waller, who intends to add a Southern Hemisphere major to her name this preparation.

Chris Waller will unleash new arrival Via Sistina in the Ranvet Stakes next Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Chris Waller is set to follow an autumn blueprint made successful by two-time Queen Elizabeth Stakes conqueror Addeybb and unleash top-line new arrival Via Sistina in next Saturday’s Group 1 $1m Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.

English trainer William Haggas brought Addeybb to Australia for the autumn and his former star twice came out on top in thrilling Queen Elizabeth Stakes battles with Waller’s ex-gun Verry Elleegant.

On both occasions Haggas used the Ranvet Stakes as a lead-up run, winning once while Verry Elleegant had his measure in their second clash in 2021.

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Waller hopes to use the same race as a springboard for Via Sistina’s autumn.

Via Sistina, purchased by breeding and racing powerhouse Yulong, only arrived in Australia 10 days ago and is currently in quarantine at Canterbury Park but will move across to Waller’s Rosehill stable on Sunday morning.

“She is likely to have one more piece of work here (Canterbury) and then move across then go straight into the Ranvet Stakes next Saturday,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said.

“It’s not an easy path to plot but Addeybb, both times he came down to duel with Verry Elleegant, he ran in the Champions Stakes at Ascot.

Addeybb (yellow) beating Verry Elleegant (red) in the 2020 Ranvet Stakes. Picture: AAP

“It’s same race she ran second in last start so it’s certainly the right form out of Europe to come down here with. She is right in it.

“Her form is slightly better on a wet track but you never know what they Sydney autumn can throw us.”

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Via Sistina has Group 1 nominations for the $5m Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), $4m Doncaster Mile (1600m) and Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).

She worked at Canterbury Park on Tuesday morning alongside four other imports that are in quarantine including Haggas latest autumn contender Post Impressionist.

An $8 equal favourite for the Sydney Cup, Haggas is planning on giving Post Impressionist a run before his date with the two mile.

“At the moment it will be N E Manion Cup (March 23) and then Sydney Cup (April 13) but he is in a couple of other races as well, he is in the Tancred Stakes and the Chairman’s so there is the opportunity for change,” stable representative Issy Paul said.