Verry Elleegant has big targets after easy Tancred Stakes win

Verry Elleegant won Saturday’s Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill Gardens in Australia with such ease that trainer Chris Waller considers the 5-year-old mare a candidate for two of the country’s top races – the Caulfield Cup and world-famous Melbourne Cup in the autumn.

Ridden by James McDonald, Verry Elleegant, who paid $3.90 in North American pools, won the $894,000 Tancred Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on turf by 4 1/4 lengths over Mustajeer. Verry Elleegant closed from the middle of the field with a wide rally to take a commanding lead in the final furlong.

The Tancred Stakes was her second start against males in as many weekends, preceded by a second to Addeybb in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on March 21.

Verry Elleegant won the Group 1 ATC Oaks at 1 1/2 miles at Royal Randwick last April, her only previous start at the distance.

The Group 1 Caulfield Cup is run at 1 1/2 miles at Caulfield Racecourse on Oct. 17, while the Melbourne Cup at two miles at Flemington Racecourse will be run Nov. 3.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

“She is just a genuine athlete at a staying trip,” Waller told Australian media. “The Caulfield Cup would be high on our radar and even a Melbourne Cup.”

There was an upset in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday when 14-1 Shout the Bar led throughout the $298,000 race at 1 1/4 miles.

Shout the Bar, ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, finished a neck in front of 7-2 Probabeel in the field of 13. Funstar, the 3-4 favorite, could only finish fourth, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. Funstar was well placed in early stretch, but did not threaten the winner.

Shout the Bar, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, and Funstar, trained by Waller, are likely to have a rematch in the Group 1 Australian Oaks, a $590,000 race at 1 1/2 miles at Royal Randwick on April 11.