Chris Waller, the champion trainer, lacks just one key Group 1 Australian Guineas on his otherwise stellar curriculum vitae.

He will attempt to fill that void with Sixties contesting the 1600m three-year-old race at Flemington this Saturday.

Waller has devoted careful strategy to Sixties’ bid in the 2026 Guineas, relocating the colt to Melbourne for left-handed racing practice in advance of the showdown.

Sixties emulates 2024’s Riff Rocket by claiming the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in February, yet Waller expects an improved showing in the Guineas.

Riff Rocket ended third as the $2.50 favourite to Southport Tycoon in 2024’s Guineas, subsequently securing the Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby in Sydney.

“He’s very fit and ready for his Grand Final,” Waller said of Sixties.

“He’s had the two runs back from a spell and both have been pretty impressive to my eyes.

“After the Golden Rose it was either the Australian Guineas or Randwick Guineas and we’ve got Autumn Boy in Sydney, so we decided to split them up.

“He needed to run well first-up, which he did, and he needed a run left-handed, which he did well, and he’s kept improving.

“It’s another step up on Saturday, but he’s the right horse to be able to do it.”

Damian Lane, successful aboard Sixties in the C S Hayes Stakes, takes the mount once more on Saturday before his careless riding suspension begins.

Barrier 10 poses a hurdle for Sixties, compounded by the threat from Victoria Derby winner Observer, who impressed on resumption winning the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield February 7.

Sixties offers flexibility and a top-notch attitude, Waller highlighted.

“He’s led and won Stakes races before and he’s come from back and he’s sat wide,” Waller said.

“The beauty of Sixties is, he’s got a great temperament. Wherever Damian wants to be, he’ll be responsive and he will settle if he does ask him a question early.

“I think we’ll leave it to Damian, see how they leave the barriers, see how the first 200 metres suggests where other horses are.

“He doesn’t need to be too far away and if he wants to, he can settle.”

The trainer views Observer as his primary rival.

“He’s a good horse and the distance will suit him,” Waller said.

“His first-up win was terrific and he looks very good, but hopefully he’s not as good as Sixties.”

Waller also has Officiate entered, with Ben Melham riding.

“He needs to improve a little bit. He’s a rough chance,” Waller said.

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