The final composition of Chris Waller’s Caulfield Cup team hinges on track gallops and the prevailing weather conditions.
Of the 34 horses remaining in contention for the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup (2400m) this Saturday, six are trained by Waller. Those already safely in the field include Pinhole, who, despite being equal first on ballot, is unlikely to run, along with Ohope Wins (15th), Asterix (17th), Wootton Verni (19th), Soul Of Spain (21st), and Valiant King (31st). The race is limited to 18 runners plus four emergencies.
Pinhole secured a ballot exemption with its victory in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last Saturday. However, after the race, Waller indicated he favoured setting the imported stayer on a path towards the Melbourne Cup, potentially via the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley, or the Bendigo Cup.
The remaining five stayers are expected to gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday before a definitive decision is made on which horses will contest the race. Final acceptances for the Cup are due at 9:30 am on Tuesday, with the barrier draw to follow.
“We could potentially have five, or maybe three,” Waller commented.
Ohope Win is being prepared for the 2400m journey, having previously won at the distance in the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in April. Waller confirmed that Valiant King would run if he can get into the field.
“Wootton Verni may run, but I want to check the weather forecast with him,” Waller said. “He needs some rain and I just want him to settle a bit as well.”
“Soul Of Spain finished second in the Sydney Cup and third in The Metropolitan recently, while Asterix became keen and couldn’t find a rhythm last time. They will both come here on Tuesday morning, and I’ll have a look at them and decide.”
Waller will be present on Tuesday to watch his potential Caulfield Cup Day runners during their gallops. The Rosehill track will be open for workouts on Monday, allowing him to remain in Sydney and supervise his team’s preparations for The Everest meeting.
Having won the Caulfield Cup twice, Waller possesses some wonderful memories of the race, particularly Verry Elleegant’s triumph in 2020.
“It’s a great Club. They do a great job 365 days of the year,” Waller said. “They’re always asking questions, what can we do to improve, what can we do to help. What’s your opinion on the track. They’re a forward-thinking group and they keep raising the bar which hasn’t been easy. Verry Elleegant was an important win and historically it’s a great form race for the Melbourne Cup. I remember Veandercross not winning the Caulfield Cup. I would have been in New Zealand then because my boss (Paddy Busuttin) had Castletown run it.”
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