John Schell

July 13, 2026 — 5:15pm

The formidable duo of leading Sydney apprentice Siena Grima and premier trainer Chris Waller will spearhead a strong attack at Tuesday’s Newcastle meeting, joining forces for five top contenders on the eight-race program.

Grima skipped clear in the metropolitan apprentices’ premiership race with a winning treble at Randwick on Saturday and will be out to keep the momentum rolling at Newcastle.

Waller will provide Grima with a live chance in the opening event at Newcastle when first starter Phantom Major contests the A Plus Contracting 3YO&Up C,G&E Maiden Plate (1250m).

Phantom Major is a son of Snitzel that ran third on his most recent barrier trial at Warwick Farm. Grima will partner Snitzel Miss in the NZB Maiden Plate (1400m) in which she will clash with the Zac Lloyd ridden stablemate Enviable.

Snitzel Miss has five placings to her name from 11 starts, while Enviable is resuming and was group 2 placed at Moonee Valley before the spell.

Artgirl will be Grima’s Mount in the Dailey Family Funerals Maiden Plate (1400m), while Lee Magorrian will partner the Waller-prepared stablemate Indigo Star.

Artgirl has a consistent record of with seven placings from 10 starts, while Indigo Star ran home well for a last start second placing at Wyong.

Waller has another two acceptors in the New FM/2HD 3YO&Up F&M Maiden Plate (1250m), with Magorrian on Wiltshire Lass and Sam Clipperton aboard Sphere.

Sphere has been placed in five of her six starts, and Wiltshire Lass ran fourth on debut at Gosford in February before being spelled after a last placing at Rosehill.

Grima rounds out the day on another two Waller-trained runners: Wootton Way in The Prince Of Merewether F&M Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m) and Prince Charge in the Horsepower C,G&E Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m).

Both Wootton Way and Prince Charge have city maiden victories to their credit at Canterbury and the Kensington track at Randwick respectively.

Grima has one other ride at Newcastle, on Sir Tua for Richard and Will Freedman in the Sharp Office Midway Class 1 Handicap (1250m).

Supplied by Racing NSW