Leading trainer Chris Waller has mastered the art of managing his nerves on the eve of significant races.

With two runners, Aeliana and Birdman, contesting the Cox Plate (2040m at Flemington this Saturday), Waller stated he’s feeling relatively calm.

“I’m not too bad, but I’ve been edgy before,” Waller commented. “We’ve been to some pretty high highs, and once you’ve been there, it helps you get there and you also learn, don’t expect too much, don’t build yourself up too much and usually you come away happy.”

Waller is aiming to achieve his seventh Cox Plate win, a milestone that would place him alongside the legendary Tommy Smith as the most successful trainer in the race’s illustrious history.

His journey in the Cox Plate began in 2015 with the incomparable Winx, who claimed the first of her four victories. Via Sistina continued the remarkable success, securing the trainer back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025.

Aeliana, a mare like Winx and Via Sistina, will be ridden by James McDonald, who is pursuing his fifth consecutive Cox Plate triumph.

Waller confirmed that both his horses have received the ideal preparation for the 2040-metre race. This year’s renewal will be held at Flemington, a departure from its traditional home at Moonee Valley, which is undergoing reconstruction.

“It’s going to be a great race, as it is every year,” Waller said. “Birdman is very fit. His fitness was found out in the last 100 metres of his race last start, but he’s come through it well and is well prepared for Saturday’s Flemington Cox Plate. Aeliana is very similar. She was beaten on the wet track last start in a solid staying test as well. She’s ready to peak. She won a Tancred after winning a Ranvet a week earlier and hopefully she can get back to those ratings that saw her dominate the staying ranks in the autumn.”

The trainer noted that the longer run to the first turn at Flemington, as opposed to Moonee Valley’s tighter circuit, would introduce an interesting tactical element to the race.

Birdman has drawn favourably from barrier one, while Aeliana faces a wider draw in gate 10.

“It’s been good to read what people are saying about the race being at Flemington and the long run into the bend, compared to a short run at Moonee Valley,” Waller observed. “With the speed horses drawn out wide, the three-year-olds, one has drawn wide, one has drawn well, I think they’ll roll, and I would say every horse will get a good run. You might have to be further back if you’ve got a wide draw, but I couldn’t see anything getting caught three wide and it’s Flemington, they won’t come around the bend single file, they normally pack up a bit. It will be an intriguing race.”

Those interested in the thoroughbred action can find the latest betting markets for the race on the Cox Plate at various online bookmakers.