The Chris Waller stable has its two Cox Plate representatives ready to race, with both horses completing their final preparatory workouts at Flemington to the satisfaction of their trainer.

Aeliana, partnered by James McDonald, and Birdman, ridden by Ben Melham, each galloped solo on the outside of the course proper on Tuesday morning. Both riders are confirmed to steer the pair in Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m).

The two horses were subsequently confirmed as final acceptors for this Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m), which will be run at Flemington this year as Moonee Valley undergoes a significant rebuild.

A total of 12 horses have accepted for the Cox Plate, with the barrier draw set to be conducted later on Tuesday.

“Both horses are well and their riders were happy with their work, and it was good to have them aboard,” Waller stated.

He added, “It was good strong work, and their recovery was good afterwards. They ticked all the boxes in terms of preparing for Saturday’s Cox Plate.”

Waller indicated that both horses are genuine Group 1 performers who are hitting their peak at the opportune time.

“Aeliana is ready to peak after a good semi-final run last start and Birdman, the same,” Waller said.

“His (Birdman’s) fitness gave out with 100 metres to go (last start), so that work will bring him on nicely,” he noted.

“Horses continue to improve if you look after them and that is what we have tried to do, especially with Aeliana,” Waller continued.

“We saw her find her best possible form in the autumn, which saw her get some good ratings, and Birdman has just been the big improver over the last six months, winning his Group 1 in Brisbane and here in Melbourne,” he explained.

Waller also commented on Aeliana’s seasonal form: “Aeliana, she just gradually finds her way through winter, and the spring just brings the hormones and everything together and she is a very healthy horse.”

The trainer commented that the 12 runners in Saturday’s Cox Plate promise an intriguing contest with varied form lines.

He mentioned that the inclusion of the first two home from the Caulfied Guineas – Warwoven and Blind Raise – brings a different dynamic, as does the race being held at Flemington.

“There is plenty of depth,” Waller confirmed.

He added, “The three-year-olds are classy and come into the race with great form, there’s going to be plenty of speed in the race and it’s a weight-for-age race. It will be one for the ages.”

Ciaron Maher has four acceptors in the race: Light Infantry Man, Land Legend, Middle Earth, and Saint George. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable will be represented by Sir Delius. Other acceptors include Ceolwulf, Attrition, and Cosmic Crusader.

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