Chris Waller’s goal for Elle Lou pans out

The plan crystallised for Elle Lou in the mud on Randwick Guineas Day, though the mare’s future is not as clear.

Once the five-year-old finished ninth in January’s Magic Millions fillies and mares race on the Gold Coast, trainer Chris Waller figured the Group Three $150,000 Aspiration Quality Handicap (1600m) was an achievable target.

The premier Sydney trainer again proved an astute judge as Elle Lou, with Glyn Schofield aboard, scored by a neck over Alegria in the penultimate race on Saturday’s card.

“It’s been a bit of a plan since she was unplaced in the Magic Millions to find this race,” Waller said.

“It means so much for mares. It’s great winning good prize money but for a mare to pick up a Group Three is very rewarding especially the way the breeding industry is going.

“It’s constantly on an upward trend, it’s a recession-proof industry so if you can get a mare, black type, Group Three at Randwick ….”

Waller credited Schofield, who earlier won the Group One Canterbury Stakes on Le Romain, for an astute ride on a heavy 10 track.

“Full credit to Glyn. He drew the outside and then came back closest to the fence and saved a lot of ground. It may have been the winning difference.”

Waller was unsure about the next step for Elle Lou ($6.90).

“It’s a big step from here to (Group One) Queen of the Turf,” he said.

“Anything else is a bonus.”