Chris Waller will saddle up the favourite for Saturday’s marquee event – the $5 million Golden Slipper – but some of his other stable stars could steal the spotlight at Rosehill.

Both Via Sistina and Fangirl are set to take different paths for the first time this campaign, with Cox Plate winner Via Sistina contesting the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) while Fangirl lines up in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

The duo are entering their third starts this preparation, with Via Sistina fresh off a victory over Fangirl in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), after finishing third to her stablemate in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m).

“They had a gallop morning (on Saturday) just to stretch their legs, their regular riders were aboard and said they’d come through their last starts really well and gone forward,” Waller said.

“They will separate for the first time this preparation, which is good, as well as taking on other horses.

“The 2000 metres suits Via a little bit better and I think the 1500 metres suits Fangirl better.”

With Dubai Honour still unconfirmed as a runner, Via Sistina is expected to start as a dominant favourite in the Ranvet Stakes. She was also entered in the George Ryder as a precaution, bringing Waller’s total nominations for the race to seven.

Among his other runners are Buckaroo and Kovalica, both resuming after their last starts in the Melbourne Cup, having worked together at Randwick Kensington last Thursday.

“Buckaroo is really good, I have been amazed how many people ask questions about him, he has become quite a popular horse,” Waller said.

“He is very competitive when he races and his spring was amazing. He has come back really well. We chose to give him a longer spell after the Melbourne Cup, which I think they need.

“He runs in the George Ryder, Queen Elizabeth and we could have a look at the Hollindale or Doomben Cup if we needed to.

“Similar for Kovalica. He probably doesn’t have the same brilliance as Buckaroo so he could even go on towards a Q22. He will definitely start in the first two races.”

Despite the Ranvet and George Ryder being Group 1 events, they serve as support races to the world’s richest two-year-old event, where Waller’s Wodeton is set to compete in the Golden Slipper. The trainer is optimistic about his runner’s chances and is hoping for a favorable middle barrier at Tuesday’s draw.

“Seven or eight,” Waller said when asked about his preferred gate, before detailing his ideal scenario.

“Midfield, a pair further back one off the fence would be perfect.”