Master trainer Chris Waller has fired an ominous warning shot to rivals over 3YO colt and Caulfield Guineas favourite Militarize’s chances in the Group 1 feature at Caulfield on Saturday.
Waller said the Golden Rose champion will reach his peak in Saturday’s 1600m race after a ‘straight-forward’ captain’s-run style workout at Caulfield on Tuesday morning.
Excellent pieces of work by both Militarize & Lindermann this morning @MelbRacingClub without breaking track records. Their recovery was excellent, they got around the track really well and are ready for Saturday. pic.twitter.com/3GwyPzL9FP
— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) October 9, 2023
An optimistic Waller declared the boom 3YO colt’s preparation for the Group 1 mile has been seamless.
“He should be peaking for Saturday’s race, stepping up to a mile where he’s already won a Group 1 race over this distance,’’ Waller told Racing.com.
“That was 1400m the Golden Rose and he hit the line well.
“He’s come through it well, eaten well, travelled down no problems, so I’m pretty happy with him at the moment.”
MILITARIZE AND THE 'MAGIC MAN' OVER THE TOP!
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 23, 2023
He wins the Golden Rose, and adds a third Group 1 to his CV.@cavaleiro83 @Chinahorseclub @NewgateFarm @cwallerracing pic.twitter.com/ELfZBAlJe6
Militarize, who is a three-times Group 1 winner, enjoyed a leisurely trouble-free workout around Caulfield sitting behind stablemate Lindermann.
Waller said it was especially important for the Golden Rose champ to acclimatize himself to the Caulfield surrounds.
“He just had a look around, making sure he got on the right legs which is always important when you’re having your first run in Melbourne,’’ he said.
“He’s done plenty of work in Sydney on his left leg, to do it here at Caulfield is a different thing.”
Militarize will jump out as the pronounced $2.80 favourite with Unibet with Steparty ($3.60) and King Colorado ($7.50) the only other runners in single digits.
WHAT A WIN! 🤯
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 23, 2023
MILITARIZE CLAIMS THE GOLDEN ROSE! 🌹@cwallerracing @NewgateFarm @cavaleiro83 pic.twitter.com/tVdpOLGeo2