Chris Waller may have won the most memorable small-field edition of the The Might And Power, but the champion trainer admits he’s no fan of minimal line-ups — and faces another one this weekend at Caulfield.
Waller’s talented galloper Buckaroo is one of just five runners accepted for Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 contest, joined by Treasurethe Moment, Light Infantry Man, Globe and Hezashocka.
Light Infantry Man is also entered for the $2 million Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill, with a decision on his final destination expected in the coming days.
While this year’s race won’t match the 2016 edition — when the legendary Winx defeated just two rivals — Waller said that despite the obvious benefit of “less to beat,” smaller fields come with their own challenges, particularly when it comes to tempo.
“Less to beat,” Waller joked when asked about the positives. “(But) I don’t like no pace in any race — I’m a big fan of pacemakers if they brought them in. It makes it easier for punters and everyone to predict. Less pace means it’s more unpredictable, so it wouldn’t suit him.”
Pacemakers — horses specifically entered to ensure a solid race tempo — are permitted in some international jurisdictions but remain banned in Australia. While Winx didn’t require one when she claimed the 2016 The Might And Power as a $1.24 favourite over Black Heart Bart and He Or She, Waller believes a fair tempo benefits both punters and participants alike.
Small fields in the 2000m feature, formerly known as the Caulfield Stakes, have long been a hallmark of the race. Bonecrusher’s 1986 victory came in a field of six, while champions such as So You Think, Ocean Park, Arcadia Queen, Atlantic Jewel and Probabeel have also prevailed in similarly small contests.
Buckaroo heads into this weekend’s renewal third-up, having run strong placings in both the Memsie Stakes (1400m) and Underwood Stakes (1800m). The latter form was further boosted when his conqueror, Sir Delius, went on to claim the Turnbull Stakes last weekend.
“Second-up was awesome and third-up he should be ready to peak,” Waller said.
The stable will decide after Saturday whether Buckaroo backs up in the Caulfield Cup with 59kg or waits for the Cox Plate the following week.
Punters can view updated odds and offers for The Might And Power and other spring features via Australia’s best betting sites list.