Waller predicts improvement from Andaz

Chris Waller is backing Andaz to remedy his first-up jitters in Sydney and push for a start at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

After winning his first two starts in Victoria the three-year-old was gelded and resumed at Randwick in early September for an error-prone fifth in a Benchmark 75 Handicap.

“He was bit disappointing, I think he did a few too many things wrong and it was a good quality race too,” Waller said.

Andaz has an opportunity to make amends at Randwick on Saturday when he pairs up with Queensland jockey Damian Browne in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m).

Sydney’s leading trainer said he had a new strategy for Browne to implement when Andaz jumps from barrier two in the eight-strong field.

“I want to ride him a bit more conservatively and get him to switch off and relax better,” Waller said.

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“He’s racing out of his grade but he’s drawn well and if he ran well I’d probably run him during Cup week.”

Waller is expecting marked improvement from two-year-old filly Fiesta in the Kirkham Plate (1000m) after a sluggish start arguably cost her a win on debut in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes over the same trip at Randwick last month.

Fiesta was third, less than 1-1/2 lengths behind winner Satin Slipper after being checked and blocked for a run at the 200m.

“You could make a case she could have won the Gimcrack had she jumped on terms,” Waller said.

“It was probably raw ability that saw her finish so close and hopefully she’s taken good experience from that.”

Waller was unsure of the quality of her opponents as seven of the nine runners are making their debuts.