The Chris Waller stable enjoyed a trouble-free morning at Moonee Valley as its three Cox Plate contenders — Via Sistina, Aeliana, and Buckaroo — completed their final preparations ahead of Saturday’s $6 million weight-for-age feature.
It was a stark contrast to 12 months ago, when eventual Cox Plate winner Via Sistina dislodged jockey James McDonald and galloped several extra laps of The Valley before returning a week later to dominate the race in record time. This time, the defending champion remained calm, working solo in earmuffs under McDonald’s guidance.
Stablemates Aeliana and Buckaroo also completed solo gallops before barriers were drawn, with Via Sistina landing gate five, Buckaroo gate four, and Aeliana gate eight in the nine-horse field.
Waller said fitting earmuffs to Via Sistina proved a wise decision. “She’s the same as last year,” he said. “I know she hasn’t won in her last couple of runs, but if you look at the sectionals, she’s going just as well. We just haven’t had the race pressure we’d like, but she’s in great shape.”
While the trainer expressed mild concern about a lack of early tempo on Saturday, he said the mare would run her own race. “She needs to make her own luck and her own sectionals. It’s her Grand Final, and the Cox Plate always brings out the competition,” Waller said.
Waller also reported that Aeliana has thrived since arriving in Melbourne in September. “Her bloods are spot-on, her recovery is great, and she’s working well,” he said. “She’s just a young horse still maturing. Her coat is improving and she’s right where we want her.”
As for Buckaroo, who missed last week’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) where he was set to carry 59kg, Waller believes a softer track and weight-for-age conditions will help. “He’s a warhorse and always runs to his best,” he said. “If the rain comes, it brings him right into the race.”
All three Waller runners head to The Valley in top order, with the champion trainer looking to add another Cox Plate to his growing list of major victories.