Top Sydney trainer Chris Waller is set to sit down with the owners of champion mare Verry Elleegant and make a call on whether she will run in Europe's most prestigious race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which will take place in October.
Starting as a +280 favourite in the AU$4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last Saturday, the 2021 Melbourne Cup winner did not stop trying and finished fifth on a Heavy 10 track.
This last start will be discussed regarding whether Waller and Verry Elleegant's owners believe sending her to France would be a financially viable option, and one in the mare's best interests from a wellbeing point of view.
“We're chatting in the next few days. Once we've had that chat we'll let everyone know,” Waller revealed to told HorseBetting.com.au.
At this stage, both Waller and Verry Elleegant's star jockey James McDonald said they weren't sure who would ride her if she was to go to France.
With almost $15 million in total prizemoney, Verry Elleegant has excelled in all conditions.
But a Heavy 10 track significantly levelled the playing field last Saturday, before Nash Rawiller's memorable outside ride on Think It Over saw him salute by half a length over Annabel Neasham's Zaaki.
“Verry Elleegant ran fine – it was just a tough day,” Waller said.
“It's been a tough autumn for a lot of trainers, horses and punters and it's been frustrating.
“Verry Elleegant is a good example of that. It's hard to get a true gauge on how she's performed.
“Obviously she's got high expectations every time she runs. But I think when you've got other good horses around her, it would suggest there's nothing wrong with how she is.
“It's just a matter of her handling the right tracks.”
Waller, ever-humble despite the incredible success he's achieved with 138 Group 1 winners, remains grateful he can continue doing what he loves despite the torrential rain Sydney has received this Autumn Carnival.
“That's racing, isn't it? We shouldn't complain – we're still getting winners,” he said, with Verry Elleegant now enjoying a well-earned spell, her $600,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) victory the highlight of this preparation.
“It suits some horses more than others.”