Waller locks in Zahra for Memsie
Champion trainer Chris Waller has confirmed that star mare Fangirl will line up in Saturday’s Group 1 $750,000 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, with Melbourne jockey Mark Zahra set to take the reins.
Originally scheduled to return in last weekend’s Winx Stakes, Fangirl was withdrawn due to her poor record on heavy tracks. Waller still landed the quinella, with Via Sistina winning and Aeliana finishing second.
Fangirl was transported to Melbourne on Saturday night to prepare for the Memsie, where she is currently rated a $5 second favourite behind early top picks. “Fangirl will run in the Memsie,” Waller told Racenet. “She will gallop there Tuesday to get used to the track.”
The @cwallerracing stars step out for gallops at Rosehill Gardens with most returning next week on Winx Stakes Day. 👀
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 16, 2025
Via Sistina 1000m: 1:05.49/37.26
Aeliana: 1:05.92/36.47
Fangirl: 1:06.10/37.27
Autumn Glow 800m: 51.16/36.71
Lady Shenandoah: 53.00/38.12 pic.twitter.com/s1lrMNqWQ6
Waller is expected to have a strong presence in the first Victorian Group 1 of the season, with Moira, Buckaroo, and Anisette also potential runners. His only Memsie Stakes triumph came in 2015 with Boban.
Despite the move south, wet weather may still pose a concern. Rain is forecast later in the week in Melbourne, but Waller remains hopeful conditions will suit. “The tracks dry pretty quickly there. It’s a big track, and they raced a few weeks ago with fresh ground nine metres off the fence,” he said.
Waller also noted that Fangirl’s preparation was intentionally brought forward to ensure she wouldn’t be underdone early in the campaign. “You’d hate to be on the back foot, and her second-up run will probably be down there anyway,” he added.
