Queensland contenders to stake claims

While Brisbane is the focus this weekend, Sydney’s Randwick meeting has ramifications for trainer Chris Waller Waller as he plots a multifaceted crack at the Queensland Derby and other Group One features over the winter carnival.

Sydney’s premier trainer has Black On Gold and Veladero already acclimatising for the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) on June 10.

They line up in the Group Three Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) when the carnival moves from Doomben to Eagle Farm.

Sizzling Bullet was also nominated for the Grand Prix Stakes but will instead contest the EML Handicap (2000m) at Randwick.

The colt last raced in April over 1600m and Waller thought the freshen-up and step up in trip would be beneficial.

“Two thousand metres will be a bit easier for him,” Waller said.

“If he runs well he could end up in the Derby.”

Waller said the controversial Eagle Farm surface could lend itself to surprise results.

“We’ll be attacking the Derby from all angles,” he said.

“The track conditions might just throw up a few mixed form lines. The best horse in the race may not win.

“It’ll probably come down to which horse handles the conditions best so it’s a good year to have a few runners.”

Waller said two-year-old Sambro, who won his maiden at Warwick Farm on May 17, would head to the Group One J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) if he acquits himself well in the Seven News Plate (1400m).

The Group Two Queensland Guineas (1600m) beckons for Wayanka if he performs to expectations in One Solutions Handicap (1400m).