Mark Walker has a warning for punters rallying to wallop his class act Arlingtonboulevard at Matamata today.
Walker believes one of the most exciting staying fillies of the season will be vulnerable fresh-up over 1400m, even against average progressive grade rivals.
The summerish start to the autumn has conspired against
Walker getting the filly anywhere near the same trim that saw her start third favourite in the NZ Oaks.
"She jarred up badly in the Oaks and we gave her two weeks out, but to be fair the ground since has been pretty firm so we haven't done a huge amount with her," said Walker.
"Because of that I think punters should be careful. She should be running on, but whether her fitness is up to winning I'm not sure."
As long as Arlingtonboulevard is closing stylishly at the line she will strengthen her claims for a place on a Brisbane flight alongside stablemates El Bulli and Darci Brahma.
Carnival targets for the Spinning World filly include the A$400,000 Queensland Oaks on June 4.
Arlingtonboulevard proved she was worth the nomination cheque, at least, when closing fast for fifth in Justa Tad's One Thousand Guineas and for fourth in the Royal Stakes.
Walker's best win hope today could be the maiden 3-year-old filly Ulmer. The Carnegie filly showed courage in chasing Bronte home at Te Rapa and should appreciate the extra 200m. Walker unleashes three more 3-year-olds and rates Zamfir, Comical Ali and Zarius strong each way hopes.
Zamfir will benefit most from the run after a respite from the firm ground.
Walker expects to see sharp improvement from the Gold Brose filly in about a month, when the autumn rains finally arrive.
Although doing a bit wrong under pressure, Comical Ali won like a horse going places in a hurry when he quit maidens on debut at Te Rapa on March 2.
But Walker is a little concerned the impressive Kaapstad athlete may find the 1200m short of his best trip second-up.
Zarius took four trials before he started to stitch things together. But he's now one of the fastest improvers in the stable and will relish the extra 200m he strikes in the last.
It may be best to pencil in Walker's other two runners, Certainly and Better Boy, for future assignments.
Walker expects juvenile debutante Certainly to peak next season over ground, while Better Boy is being groomed for a jumping career.
