Chris Waller is chasing a third Caulfield Cup victory in the space of five years and the champion trainer has two brilliant chances to make it happen.
After helping guide Verry Elleegant in 2020 and Durston in 2022, Waller is eyeing off yet another major prize this weekend in the iconic 2400m feature.
Headlining his chances this time around will be the in-form Buckaroo, who is just weeks removed from a maiden Group 1 triumph in the Underwood Stakes.
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The six-year-old gelding backed it up with another strong showing in the G1 Turnbull Stakes, finishing a narrow second to Via Sistina in wet conditions.
Buckaroo takes out the Underwood Stakes. Getty
Buckaroo drew barrier eight on Tuesday and according to Waller, has every chance of toppling a packed 18-horse field at Caulfield.
“He’s got great lead-up form, which makes the job a bit easier, it’s just about maintenance and he’s maintained well,” he said.
“The way he got around here winning the Underwood was pretty good, I thought at the 500m he looked like the winner but I didn’t expect him to power on.”
Buckaroo won’t be Waller’s only hope in the race, with stablemate Land Legend also rated a strong chance with the bookmakers.
The five-year-old took out the Group 1 Metropolitan last start, beating home fellow Caulfield Cup hopeful in Zardozi, improving on a disappointing first-up effort in Sydney.
Chris Waller speaking to Buckaroo’s trackwork jockey ahead of the Caulfield Cup. Getty
“He worked very well, I think he’s come on well since his Metropolitan win,” Waller said.
“He was only third-up and he’s quite a gross horse and I thought he looked fitter today in the parade ring here and worked accordingly.
“He’s a pretty versatile horse, he’s not your big rangy stayer. He’s a strong compact horse and I don’t think it will be a problem.”
Valiant King will also contest the $5 million race, but Waller admits the stayer will be more suited at a longer distance, namely this year’s Melbourne Cup.