Elite trainer Chris Waller backs the All-Star Mile initiative post its Group 1 upgrade.
The event kicked off in 2019, alternating across Melbourne’s primary courses and emulating Japan’s Arima Kinen through public voting for entrants.
Modifications followed in the years after, seeing Waller with limited involvement.
Last year’s Group 1 upgrade saw Waller run Atishu in the 2025 All-Star Mile, and now two stablemates aim for Saturday’s 1600m feature at Flemington.
“The Group 1 status means a lot to me, more so than the prize money,” Waller said.
“It was a bit confusing in the first few years, but I think they’ve got it right now and hopefully the best horse can win.”
Saturday sees Buckaroo and Leica Lucy as Waller’s representatives.
They last raced in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield February 21, ending second and fifth.
“They both ran well first-up at Caulfield, and they came out of the race well,” Waller said.
“It was great to see Buckaroo finishing his race off like he does. It’s exciting and he’s got good form at the mile, and he’s got form around the right horses.”
Buckaroo remains without a win post his 2024 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield victory, yet Waller recalled the second to Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes thereafter.
“He likes Caulfield and he likes Moonee Valley, he almost won a Cox Plate, he’s pretty versatile and he has also run second to Via Sistina at Flemington one day,” Waller said.
“He’s definitely better here in Melbourne.
“Leica Lucy, she finished off well first-up. She got back and came up on, in arguably, the worst part of the track.
“She will come on nicely for the run. She had a couple of Group 1 placings last spring, and she looks like she has come on a bit better.”
Waller believes Pride Of Jenni elevates Saturday’s competition.
“Pride Of Jenni always adds a bit of difference to the race and makes it a tough test, but it’s good to see her back,” Waller said.
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