Premier conditioner Chris Waller is fully supportive of the All-Star Mile following its rise to Group 1.
Inaugurated in 2019, the All-Star Mile cycled through Melbourne’s metro tracks, akin to Japan’s Arima Kinen with fan-voted horses.
Subsequent alterations took place, and Waller was selective with entries.
With Group 1 status attained last year, Waller featured Atishu in the 2025 edition, sending a brace from his team for the 1600m Saturday showdown 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.”
Waller’s colours will be borne by Buckaroo and Leica Lucy this Saturday.
Both arrive from Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) action at Caulfield on February 21, runners-up spot and fifth for them.
“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.”
Post-2024 Underwood Stakes (1800m) win at Caulfield, Buckaroo is winless, but Waller mentioned the narrow defeat by Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes next.
“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.”
Pride Of Jenni’s inclusion, per Waller, intensifies the Saturday battle.
“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.
Find the best racing odds on sports betting platforms for the All-Star Mile.