Waller has high hopes for stable newcomers

Chris Waller ushers in two newcomers to his staying ranks when Sarrasin and Tom Melbourne begin their preparation for spring campaigns at Rosehill.

Although Sarrasin changed hands from French trainer Andre Fabre to Lee and Anthony Freedman in June 2015, he only had one start before being transferred to Waller’s Rosehill operation in December.

Waller acquired the six-year-old after he ran third in the Group Two Villiers Stakes at Randwick on December 16 and although Saturday’s Spring Preview (1400m) is short of his best, it should provide a base for the coming months.

“Sarrasin hasn’t raced since the Villiers where his third was obviously a very creditable performance for a middle distance or staying horse,” Waller said on his website.

“He looks the part, he’s been given plenty of time since arriving and settling in Australia.

“This preparation, I’m sure you’ll be seeing bigger things from him.”

Sarrasin, who has only raced six times, has had two trials to prime him for Saturday when Tom Melbourne will be one of his rivals.

“He couldn’t have been any more impressive in the trial on the course proper at Rosehill (on August 1),” Waller said.

“A change of scenery can often do these horses the world of good.”

OTI Racing sent the erratic Tom Melbourne from the Freedmans to Waller hoping a change of stable might also prompt a change in his racing manners.

He had four wins for the Freedmans including the 2016 Albury Gold Cup after coming to Australia from Ireland.