Chris Waller’s powerful three-pronged Cox Plate team of Via Sistina, Aeliana, and Buckaroo came through their final Moonee Valley workouts without incident on Tuesday morning, setting the stage for Saturday’s $6 million showpiece.

It was a calm and composed hit-out for defending champion Via Sistina, who famously dumped jockey James McDonald during her final gallop last year before rebounding to claim the Cox Plate by eight lengths. This time, wearing earmuffs and looking composed, she cruised through her solo gallop under McDonald’s watchful eye.

Stablemates Aeliana and Buckaroo also worked solo, completing their tune-ups before barriers were drawn, with Via Sistina drawing gate five, Buckaroo four, and Aeliana eight in the nine-horse field.

“She’s every bit as good as last year,” Waller said of Via Sistina. “Her sectionals tell the story — she’s been running great times, just without the pressure up front. We’re very happy with where she’s at.”

Waller also praised the improvement of Aeliana since arriving in Melbourne in early spring. “Her bloods are perfect, she’s eating well, her recovery’s great. The only thing we’re waiting on is her coat — that’s starting to come good now,” he said.

As for Buckaroo, who bypassed the Caulfield Cup last week, Waller expects him to be suited by Saturday’s conditions. “At weight-for-age he’s much better placed. A bit of rain would help him, and he’s the sort of horse that always gives you everything.”

Waller will be chasing his sixth Cox Plate win this weekend, with his trio shaping as key players in a small but elite field.