Group II performances pivotal to spring targets

Tom Baddock - Thursday September 21

Chris Waller will use Saturday's results at Rosehill to decide the spring paths of two high class mares.

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Omei Sword Photo: Steve Hart

Stakes winners Dawn Wall and Omei Sword will have their immediate future decided by their performances on Saturday.

A winner of the Kembla Grange Classic and the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet last preparation Dawn Wall produced an exceptional first-up performance over 1400m, finishing second behind Washington Heights.

"It was a great first-up run from a horse that did a great job as a three-year-old," Waller said.

"She won two Group races as a three-year-old and stamped her authority so it was no real surprise to see her come back so well.

"She did a really good job as a three-year-old, failed in the Oaks but I don't think she's an extreme distance horse.

"She's draw well in barrier three and Corey Brown rides with 53kg and it's a nice stepping stone to racing against the older horses on the back of a very good first-up run.

"It's a Group II and after this we might aim a bit higher.

"There's no great expectations or pressure but if she was to perform well on Saturday I'd suggest a race like the Toorak would be suitable."

The four-year-old is $3.60 second-favourite with Bet365 to claim win number five, while nominations are yet be released for the Group I Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 14.

Group I placed stablemate Omei Sword has always promised the world but has yet to reach her potential and has raced without luck at her two resuming from a bleeding attack which saw the mare mandatorily spelled.

"Forget her first run, she just about fell and last start she was back last three-wide doing it pretty tough so they are fair excuses," Waller said.

"There's no excuses on Saturday.

"She's drawn well, got a good jockey and the set-weights and penalties will suit so there shouldn't be any excuses.

"Where she goes will depend on her run on Saturday.

"She's one of the better horses that I've trained but she's had a set-back and needs to get the points back on the board."

Omei Sword will jump from barrier two in the Group II Golden Pendent with Hugh Bowman in the saddle and is $4.60 to return to the winner's circle.

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