Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller finally joined in on the Flemington Spring Carnival celebrations after the rejuvenated Albert The Fat won the $1m Group 1 Emirate Stakes (1600m) today.
The former Queensland galloper, with his third trainer, produced the biggest win of his life when thundering down the Flemington straight for a last stride victory.
The win gave Waller and jockey Mark Zahra their first Group 1 at the carnival – Zahra getting the lucky pick up ride due to the suspension of Damien Oliver.
It was Albert The Fat’s second Group 1 win adding to the 2010 BTC Cup (1200m) when trained by Eden Petrie.
Petrie, trained at Beaudesert but later went to work for Paul Messara who took over the training of the horse.
Connections this year sent the horse to Waller who praised the horse’s former minders.
“Full credit to the previous trainers as they sent him to me in great order,” Waller said.
“He is a seven year old but you wouldn’t know it, he is jumping around like a two-year-old, his legs are clean and full credit to them.
“It is certainly a thrill to be a part of this big day, this big carnival.
“The ride was timed perfectly, it could have had a little bit more up our sleeve, it would have made it easier on me.
“Full credit to Mark, he picked up the ride yesterday.
“He didn’t have much time to do the homework or get a feel for the horse but he is a professional jockey and got the job done.
“Each of his (Albert The Fat’s) runs have been good, but for one.
“Last start he put the writing on the wall and all he had to do was get the 1600m and fortunately he did.”
Zahra settled Albert The Fat in the last six while Love Conquers all and Toorak Toff headed the field.
Toorak Toff surged to the lead but half way up the straight King’s Rose who settled midfield hit the front andlooked the winner.
Secret Admirer and Wall Street settled near the tail and Jimmy Choux midfield.
The three made ground in the straight but not quickly enough.
Albert The Fat was taken to the extreme outside and nailed King’s Rose on the line.
The run of Woorim had excuses as he nearly ran into the back of Pinnacles who notoiceably broke down in the straight.
Mark Zahra was ecstactic with his victory.
“He had a nice run, but when King’s Rose shot through it looked like it was going to win’” Zahra said.
“Chris Waller has this horse going an absolute treat.
“This is what it is all about this is huge.
“I’m sorry for Olly he missed out from suspension, I rode this horse in this race last year and I probably didn’t give it the best of rides so I am happy that Chris Waller gave me the chance again.”
.
