Chris Waller is typically the trainer others follow, but this spring he’s taken a cue from Sheila Laxon’s surprise Melbourne Cup win with Knight’s Choice, using it as motivation to launch his own ambitious Cup campaign with homegrown stayers.

While international contenders usually dominate Cup discussions, Laxon’s triumph with the NSW-bred Knight’s Choice proved that locally produced talent can still rise to the top, and Waller believes there’s no reason to wave the white flag just yet.

“That win made me think, maybe we can still bring an Aussie or Kiwi horse through the ranks and get them to the Cup. It’s a race worth targeting with the right stayer,” Waller said.

Kadavar is one of his spring hopes, set to resume in the Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick. The lightly raced gelding is unbeaten at 2400m and boasts staying credentials as a son of Victoria Derby winner Tarzino and Oaks winner Arapaho Miss.

“I’m not declaring him a Cup winner, but that’s the ambition,” Waller said. “We’ve spaced his runs deliberately and are working him up to bigger targets like the Metropolitan.”

Currently first emergency, Kadavar may get a start due to expected withdrawals on the rain-affected track. Stablemate Saltcoats is also hoping for a late inclusion after finishing strongly in the Winter Challenge.

“He was excellent late last start, and if he sneaks into the field, he’ll be competitive,” Waller said.

The champion trainer still has five horses locked in for the race, including comeback galloper More Felons, who placed in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes earlier this year. For punters backing Waller’s Cup plans, check out the best options on our trusted Australian betting sites.