Carr Stakes Battle for Waller Fillies

Both fresh from last start success at Group 3 level, the Chris Waller pair of Matchmaker (Makfi-Love Somebody, by Fastnet Rock) and Kiku (Zoustar-Atotori, by Haradasun) are set to do battle in this Saturday's Gr3 J H B Carr Stakes over 1400m at Randwick. Both having won over 1200m last time out, with Kiku having already proven successful up to a mile, Saturday's race should be a tactical one, with both liking to come from back in the field. Defeating the colts and geldings in the Gr3 Carbine Club Stakes last start, jockey Tommy Berry is sticking with Kiku and from gate five should be able to settle possibly a little handier than last start when she was close enough to the tail, in the large 12 horse field. A sister to the Group 1 winner Zoutori who will race later in the day in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes off the back of a pleasing fourth in the Gr1 TJ Smith Stakes last time out, success by either of the Amarina Farm offered yearlings will add further value, and appeal to Kiku, the current race favourite, as a broodmare prospect when her race career ends. Last start PJ Bell Stakes winner Matchmaker will come from the outside barrier and, with last start winning jockey James McDonald sticking strong, the New Zealand-bred has highlighted her class since being in Australia with three solid runs for the Waller yard. Another interesting runner in the field is the Kris Lees-trained I Say Hello (Iffraaji-Say No More, by Pentire), a winner of three of her four career starts, and although she is stepping up in grade, the Coolmore and partners-raced filly looks full of promise.

Amarina Farm graduate Kiku is after another Group success (pic: Steve Hart)