Trainer Chris Waller cannot fault Kolding’s (NZ) (Ocean Park) condition ahead of the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) but admits the left-handed direction holds some fears.
Waller’s trepidation comes from Kolding’s first start at Caulfield in Melbourne where Saturday’s race is run.
The winner of the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and A$7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in the Sydney spring, Kolding ran fifth in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 22 and appeared uncomfortable.
He was brought back to Sydney and has worked well for Hugh Bowman who replaces the suspended Glen Boss on Kolding who is scheduled to travel south on Tuesday night.
His trainer hopes Kolding can draw a good barrier and get to a position where he can follow the rail. He will also wear blinkers.
“Kolding worked well this morning (Monday) and I can’t fault the way the horse looks, Waller said.
“My only single fear is the left-handed way of going and I am just hoping that the blinkers might help the horse keep on the bridle and travelling a bit stronger so he can get around that turn, balance up and let down strongly.”
Waller said Bowman had worked Kolding on Friday morning and the four-year-old had another gallop left-handed at Rosehill on Monday.
“Hughie rode him on Friday morning,” he said.
“He galloped with the blinkers on and Hughie was very happy.
“He said he’s not quite as comfortable left-handed.
“He will travel down Tuesday night and hopefully he can draw an inside barrier and find the rail. That will be a big plus for him.
“He’s just got to put that first run at Caulfield under his belt and learn from it and that’s not an unusual thing for Sydney horses.
“We’re running with that and obviously having Hugh aboard is a big plus.”
The barrier draw will be held on Tuesday.
