Waller keeps options open for Unforgotten

Australian Oaks winner Unforgotten takes on a strong field in the Caulfield Stakes.

Chris Waller is keeping his options open for the remainder of Unforgotten’s spring campaign after she runs in the Group One Caulfield Stakes.

The Waller-trained D’Argento and Unforgotten filled the minor placings in the Group One Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick behind Godolphin’s Hartnell on September 29 and the stablemates will clash again in Saturday’s 2000m weight-for-age Caulfield Stakes.

Unforgotten’s performance at Caulfield will be telling as to she heads next.

“Her run on Saturday will determine where she goes next, and there is an outside chance she could go to the Caulfield Cup a week later,” Waller said.

“She will probably head to either the Cox Plate if she wins on Saturday, or the Myer if I thought she was looking for something easier to finish off the preparation.”

A tilt at the Cox Plate would mean a clash with her champion stablemate Winx who is the short-priced favourite to win the prestigious weight-for-age race at Moonee Valley for an unprecedented fourth time.

The Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington for fillies and mares is on November 3, a week after the Cox Plate.

Winner of this year’s ATC Australian Oaks, Unforgotten was at $13 in the TAB’s Caulfield Cup market on Friday with her stablemate Youngstar favourite at $5.

Waller said he could not be happier with how Unforgotten had come through her third in the Epsom.

“She is a very good horse but she is obviously racing against some seasoned weight for age campaigners here,” Waller said.

“However I feel she will certainly be in the finish.”

The star-studded Caulfield Stakes has a significant international presence but the Waller-trained pair head the market with D’Argento, who has the outside barrier, the $4.80 favourite just ahead of Unforgotten at $5.

D’Argento won the Rosehill Guineas over 2000m in the autumn.

“He is ready for the 2000 metres and went to Caulfield on Tuesday morning and got around the track without any issues, so he just needs an ounce of luck and he will show his class,” Waller said.