Chris Waller, more accustomed to setting the standard for others, has drawn inspiration from Sheila Laxon’s shock Melbourne Cup victory with Knight’s Choice to launch a bold spring plan of his own. Laxon’s triumph with the Walcha-bred gelding last year proved that locally bred stayers can still match it with the best on racing’s biggest stage.
“Seeing Sheila win last year really made me think about finding an Australian or New Zealand-bred horse we could develop into a genuine two-mile contender,” Waller said. “It was a win for the breeders and the industry — we can’t just concede the race to internationals every year. We still breed top stayers here, so let’s keep trying.”
One such prospect is Kadavar, who resumes in Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick. The stayer boasts a perfect record over 2400m and is bred for stamina, being by Victoria Derby winner Tarzino out of Oaks heroine Arapaho Miss.
“I’m not saying he’ll win the Cup, but that’s the goal,” Waller said. “We’ve timed his prep carefully, with runs in the Scone Cup and Lord Mayors Cup, and we’ll build him up through races like the Metropolitan.”
Kadavar sits as first emergency for the Prelude, but Waller expects scratchings on the heavy track. He’s also hoping the same for Saltcoats, second reserve and an eye-catching third in the Winter Challenge last start.
“He was strong to the line last time. If he gets in, he’ll be competitive,” Waller said.
Waller’s confirmed runners include Group 1 Tancred Stakes runner-up More Felons, who returns from a tendon setback, adding further depth to his spring arsenal. Punters can back Waller’s spring hopefuls on our top-rated Australian betting sites.