Toorak Handicap runner-up Night’s Watch features among a strong contingent for Chris Waller in the Group One Cantala Stakes as the trainer bids to win the Group One handicap for a fourth time.
Waller’s representation in Saturday’s $1 million race at Flemington also includes Epsom Handicap placegetter Star Of The Seas and eight-year-old gelding Life Less Ordinary while six-year-old mare Noire is first emergency.
Night’s Watch gets his latest chance in a Group One and was the early $6.50 favourite on Wednesday, just ahead of Toorak winner Fierce Impact ($7).
Night’s Watch jumped slowly in the Toorak (1600m) at Caulfield and was momentarily held up in the home straight before charging late.
“Back to Flemington I think you can see a few form reversals or a few of those hard-luck stories turn into wins, and that’s what we’re hoping with Night’s Watch,” Waller said.
“He’s had a good preparation. We’ve decided to keep him nice and fresh and keep him at the mile and as you saw last start with a Group One second, he’s good enough to win these types of races.”
Waller first won the Cantala with Albert The Fat in 2011 and has also won with Boban (2013) and Shillelagh (2017).
Night’s Watch, to be ridden by Damien Oliver, has barrier nine in the field of 16 plus four emergencies but will come in two barriers if the reserves don’t gain starts.
