Breeding & Racing Magazine

Turf Queen's Sister Held Back from Debut

The long-awaited debut of Covent Garden, a late season 2YO half-sister to champion Winx, has been delayed by a few days after connections erred on the side of caution by scratching her from yesterday’s Warwick Farm meeting when overnight rain saw the track post a heavy rating. Trained by Chris Waller for breeder Fairway Thoroughbreds (John Camilleri) who retained the daughter of Darley’s high class speed sire Exceed and Excel, Covent Garden’s delayed first start is expected to be temporary. She has accepted for Canterbury’s Wednesday meeting where she has drawn close to the rail over 1100m, and will only carry 54.5kg. With further showers overnight and more predicted in the next 48 hours, it’s also possible that Waller might move to Plan C, a start on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens over 1100m.