Kolding to trial ahead of autumn return

Epsom winner Kolding (left) is one of a host of Chris Waller-trained runners in trials at Rosehill.

Spring star Kolding headlines a strong team of barrier trial runners at Rosehill for champion trainer Chris Waller.

The winner of the Group One Epsom Handicap and $7.5 million Golden Eagle, Kolding runs in one of two 900m open heats on Tuesday.

Waller hopes Kolding is among selections for the All-Star Mile at Caulfield in March but is just as happy to keep him in Sydney.

The All-Star Mile field is determined by public vote, two win-and-you’re-in races and two or three wild cards.

“Kolding is an interesting horse as he just keeps getting better,” Waller said.

“I’ve got a slight leaning to the All-Star Mile but how do you set a horse for the race if you don’t know he will get a start?

“So, unless I have a good indication he is going to get a start in the race we can stay home and target the Apollo Stakes, Chipping Norton Stakes and George Ryder Stakes, which I don’t mind.

“If he was to go to the got to All Star Mile, I would run him in the Orr Stakes as the All Star Mile is at Caulfield this year.”

Kolding’s Epsom win on October 5 capped a record-breaking day for Waller who won all four Group One races up for grabs – three at Randwick and one at Flemington.

Come Play With Me claimed the Metropolitan and Funstar the Flight Stakes while in Melbourne Kings Will Dream took out the Turnbull Stakes.

Kings Will Dream will run in the other 900m-trial on Tuesday.

All up Waller has 26 horses listed for the trials but Funstar will wait for another day.

“I’m in no rush with her,” he said.

“Her first-up run is the Surround Stakes on February 29.

“There are a lot of unknowns with Funstar, I don’t even know what her best distance will be but I do know she is very good.”