Buckaroo might be the favourite in betting for the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m), but trainer Chris Waller believes it’s an open contest between his four runners heading to the Gold Coast this Saturday.

Joining Buckaroo are Lindermann, Militarize and Kovalica, with all four gallopers enjoying a fresh environment and thriving in Queensland, according to their trainer.

“If we just had one runner in the race, I’d be talking up their chances of winning the race,” Waller said.

“They’re just happy boys. Give them a trip away and it’s like a holiday for them, a change of scenery.”

Both Buckaroo and Lindermann ran in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last month and will need to overcome tricky draws. But Waller is more than satisfied with the riders on board.

“They’ve got good jockeys on now so it’s their problem, not mine,” he quipped.

“Buckaroo is third-up and ready to peak and Lindermann has been running against the right horses. He goes forward anyway so the barrier isn’t a huge concern.”

Kovalica and Militarize both come via the Doncaster Mile (1600m) and were given trials since to maintain their fitness. Waller was particularly encouraged by Militarize’s effort, despite missing the placings.

“It showed us he is close to finding peak form and he didn’t get a lot of luck that day,” he said.

“He needed the first two runs. We hadn’t seen it at home, his attitude had been great, but I just think he’d had a long time off and like a footy player, they need a bit of seasoning.”

Looking ahead, Waller confirmed all four runners are on track for the Doomben Cup, with Osipenko also slated to join them after a positive showing at Hawkesbury.

As of midweek, Buckaroo leads the market at $3.20, Lindermann is $5, Militarize is priced at $14, and Kovalica sits at $19. To bet on the Hollindale or compare odds across the top bookmakers, visit our Australian betting sites list.