Waller Waits On Handicapper For Dystopia

Monday, 28 November 2011 06:29

The strength of an interstate challenge on an Eagle Farm black type race for fillies and mares on Saturday will depend on the handicapper.

Five NSW-trained horses, spearheaded by the Chris Waller-trained Dystopia, added depth to the nominations for the Listed Travel Associates Classic but it is unlikely they will all make the trip north.

Dystopia is one of four mares who have also been nominated for Saturday's Festival Stakes meeting at Rosehill.

Dystopia was given her chance during the Melbourne Cup carnival and she been freshened up since an excellent fourth to Ortensia over 1100m at Flemington on VRC Oaks day.

An $800,000 yearling sale purchase, Dystopia has won three races but she is yet to post a victory at stakes level - a sought-after milestone because of its importance in the breeding world.

But it remained to be seen on Monday if Dystopia would be given an opportunity for a black type breakthrough in Brisbane this week.

"We probably won't have a clear indication (on where Dsytopia races this weekend) until after we have a look at the weights," Waller's racing manager Liam Prior said.

The Kris Lees-trained Cheap Thrills, Gerald Ryan's promising Mrs Onassis and the Gosford mare My Cookie Monster have also been cross-nominated between the Classic and races in Sydney.

Redhandedjill, from stable of leading country trainer Sue Grills, completes the NSW entry.

There were 19 nominations for the $80,000 race with quality Brisbane mare Zero Rock entered to resume.

The Stradbroke Handicap placegetter will be first-up since her sixth in the Group Tattersall's Tiara at the end of the Brisbane winter carnival.

Zero Rock will be going for back-to-back wins in the race.

Fifteen entries were received for the Listed Recognition Stakes with last year's winner Pepperwood among the nominations.

Other Recognition entries include last-start Brisbane Handicap winner Fillydelphia.