Chris Waller has poured cold water on hopes that star mare Aeliana will target this year’s Caulfield Cup, warning punters not to bank on her lining up in the 2400-metre Group 1 event.
While nominations for both the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate close on Tuesday, Waller remains cautious about sending the glamour four-year-old to such a tough assignment so early in her campaign.
“I don’t normally push our four-year-old fillies, as I call them, to a Caulfield Cup,” Waller said. “She will be nominated but it would be unlikely.”
Aeliana surged into Caulfield Cup favouritism after demolishing rivals by more than five lengths in April’s ATC Australian Derby (2400m). However, despite her dominance that day, Waller remains unconvinced that the timing is right for a Caulfield Cup tilt.
Historically, Waller has been conservative with young mares in the spring feature. Only four four-year-old mares from his stable have lined up in the Caulfield Cup: Charms Star (last in 2021), Toffee Tongue (14th in 2020), Youngstar (7th in 2018), and Royal Descent (5th in 2013).
Waller’s two Caulfield Cup wins came with more seasoned runners: Verry Elleegant (2020) and Durston (2022).
Despite the reservations, Aeliana remains the $8 favourite for the October 18 Caulfield Cup and holds a $11 quote for the Cox Plate, run a week later.
Stablemate Via Sistina currently leads Cox Plate markets and will be among a strong Waller contingent nominated for the weight-for-age classic. Fellow runners likely to be entered include Fangirl, Buckaroo, and Lady Shenandoah—who, along with Aeliana, are also potential Caulfield Cup runners.
Meanwhile, Waller’s spring arsenal is set to step out in upcoming trials. Tuesday’s scheduled Randwick trials have been shifted to Thursday due to heavy rainfall, with more than 150mm recorded over five days.
Via Sistina and Fangirl are listed for the opening trial, while Aeliana and Lady Shenandoah are expected to appear in the second. Autumn Glow and Wodeton are also set to trial.
Ciaron Maher will also roll out several of his headline acts including Jimmysstar, Another Wil, Light Infantry Man, Zardozi, and Gringotts. Other notable names set to trial include Vauban, Stefi Magnetica, and Linebacker.
