The connections of top South Island stayer Patrick Erin have chosen Waller as
the Australian trainer for the last-start Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m)
placegetter, while bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster has bought last-start Duoro
Cup (1600m) winner Eagle Bay for the Waller stables.After enjoying so many highlights with Who Shot Thebarman, Waller is hoping to do the same with Patrick Erin, another White Robe Lodge product. The six-year-old will be prepared for the Gr.1 Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 14.
The deal was finalised this week after Patrick Erin's senior co-trainer, Brian Anderton, had discussions with various Australian trainers during the National Yearling Sales at Karaka last week. Anderton left the final decision up to the horse's Christchurch owner-breeder Pat Smith.
With less than $200,000 in prizemoney as a result of 10 wins and nine placings from 21 starts, Patrick Erin has risen to the top of the handicap and his plight was well-illustrated last start when fourth in the Wellington Cup. He had to carry 59kg, conceding 6kg to all bar three of his rivals.
"We are pretty disappointed with his rating and there is not much here for him in the South Island," said Anderton, who trains in partnership with his son, Shane.
Patrick Erin is a son of White Robe Lodge sire Gallant Guru, while the durable Who Shot Thebarman was bred by Anderton and his wife, Lorraine and is by another of their stud's sires, the deceased Yamanin Vital.
Who Shot Thebarman left New Zealand after winning six of his 10 starts, including the 2014 Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m), for Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan and under the guidance of Waller he has taken his Australian stake earnings beyond $A2.7 million.
His wins include the 2015 Gr.2 Zipping Classic and last year's Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup and he has been a regular competitor in the Melbourne and Sydney Cups.
Waller, who is set to become one of the latest inductees into the New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame in Hamilton tonight, is also looking forward to the arrival of Eagle Bay.
"The sale went through on Tuesday and we got what we wanted for him," said Aidan Schumacher, Eagle Bay's trainer and part-owner. "He is up in Cambridge now and flies to Sydney on Monday."
A five-year-old son of Faltaat, Eagle Bay created a big impression in the central districts with his record of nine starts for four wins and four placings. His wins have all come in his last five starts with three being over 1600m.
Schumacher and his brothers, Brian and Kerin, bred and raced Eagle Bay and have his dam, Zorzi (by Kaapstad) in foal to Rip Van Winkle. - NZ Racing Desk
