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By Ray Hickson

Champion mare Via Sistina might surprise a few who doubt her wet track credentials when she attempts a defence of her Group 1 $1m Winx Stakes (1400m) crown at Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Chris Waller (Pic: Bradley Photos)

That’s the view of trainer Chris Waller who says rain on race day is her major enemy, similar circumstances to her only Australian heavy track failure, and if that doesn’t occur the superstar has had the right built up for her long awaited return.

Via Sistina heads a quintet from the Waller stable that includes 2023 victor Fangirl, Australian Derby winner Aeliana, import Full Count Felicia and tough gelding Lindermann.

“It is just so important to get their first run right. That is why they need to be prepared well,'' Waller said.

“These horses have actually been on the right leg and had good preparations. Really happy with them.”

When Via Sistina, $2.70 with TAB on Thursday, won the Winx Stakes last year it was on a good track. She started $11 and had no expectation placed on her for a first-up win.

It’s a different scenario this time around and Waller concedes any edge stablemate Fangirl may have had over Via Sistina is diminished by a heavy track.

“Like last year, I think Fangirl started favourite was expected to win and Via Sistina had the best run in the race and won the race,’’ he said.

“It will come down to luck in running and how the race is run. Fangirl is a better 1400m horse but Via Sistina is an outstanding mile/2000m horse.

“And if there is a chink in anyone’s armour, Via will see them out over 1400m as well. Hence the reason why she is Horse Of The Year I guess.

“She’s had a win in France on a soft track and a win at Newmarket was on a soft track and surely that’d be similar to a heavy here. She’ll be fine.

“But it takes away (Fangirl’s) brilliance a little bit because she is a speed horse so I’m little bit more concerned with her.”

A lot has been made this week of Via Sistina’s attempt to be the first eight-year-old mare to win a Group 1, or Group 1 equivalent race, since Tranquil Star in 1945.

Waller said turning eight, from his perspective, hasn’t changed Via Sistina at all and if anything she’s now a completely furnished article.

“She has taken time to acclimatise. She is well rounded without being too heavy,’’ he said.

“She is as bright as anything. Exactly where you need her to be. She knows the drill. We just don’t complicate it.”

Runaway Australian Derby winner Aeliana is the wild card of the Winx Stakes with Waller conceding she’s the unknown and a horse that could inherit the throne one day in the future.

Aeliana was the freshest of Waller’s Winx Stakes trio in the mounting yard prior to their exhibition galloper between races last weekend but she pleased him with her work.

“I think she will measure up as being a multiple Group 1 winner,’’ he said.

“She has won a Derby, been placed behind the best horses in her three year old year when she hasn’t won. It is pretty exciting with her.

“She is probably next year’s Queen if she keeps making the rapid rise which she has done. But she has got to get sharper.”

All eyes will be on the return of unbeaten mare Autumn Glow in the Group 3 $250,000 Darley Toy Show Quality (1100m) with Waller keeping plenty of options open for her spring.

Just as he was prior to her debut win, Waller is bullish about her talent but admits he feels a little pressure to turn her into a Group 1 winner this season.

Via Sistina runs second in a Randwick trial on August 7

He has the Epsom Handicap (1600m) pencilled in her spring target but stressed that could easily change depending on what happens in her first couple of runs back.

“We are not sure whether she is a sprinter or a miler,’’ he said.

“The Epsom looks perfect for her but we are going to give her a chance to sprint. Who is to say she is not an Everest contender.

“As soon as we get that Group 1 box ticked I will be happy because that is where she deserves to be. Her career will just go from strength to strength.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting