The resume of top trainer Chris Waller features many highlights, but conspicuously absent is a Group 1 Australian Guineas success.
Waller looks to change that by running Sixties in the 1600m event restricted to three-year-olds at Flemington on Saturday.
Precise arrangements underpin Sixties’ challenge for this year’s Guineas, with the colt sent by Waller to Melbourne to adapt to left-handed tracks before race day.
Sixties mirrors Riff Rocket’s 2024 path, capturing the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in February, and Waller is confident of a stronger Guineas finish.
Back in 2024, Riff Rocket ran third to Southport Tycoon while sent off at $2.50 favourite, then claimed the Sydney Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby combination.
“He’s very fit and ready for his Grand Final,” Waller said of Sixties.
“He’s had the two runs back from a spell and both have been pretty impressive to my eyes.
“After the Golden Rose it was either the Australian Guineas or Randwick Guineas and we’ve got Autumn Boy in Sydney, so we decided to split them up.
“He needed to run well first-up, which he did, and he needed a run left-handed, which he did well, and he’s kept improving.
“It’s another step up on Saturday, but he’s the right horse to be able to do it.”
Damian Lane, who guided Sixties to his C S Hayes Stakes win, partners the colt again Saturday ahead of a riding suspension.
From the awkward wide barrier 10, Sixties confronts Victoria Derby champion Observer, who launched his campaign with a sharp victory in Caulfield’s Autumn Stakes (1400m) on February 7.
Waller praised Sixties’ adaptability and calm nature.
“He’s led and won Stakes races before and he’s come from back and he’s sat wide,” Waller said.
“The beauty of Sixties is, he’s got a great temperament. Wherever Damian wants to be, he’ll be responsive and he will settle if he does ask him a question early.
“I think we’ll leave it to Damian, see how they leave the barriers, see how the first 200 metres suggests where other horses are.
“He doesn’t need to be too far away and if he wants to, he can settle.”
Waller respects Observer most among opponents.
“He’s a good horse and the distance will suit him,” Waller said.
“His first-up win was terrific and he looks very good, but hopefully he’s not as good as Sixties.”
Ben Melham rides Waller’s other runner, Officiate, in the Guineas.
“He needs to improve a little bit. He’s a rough chance,” Waller said.
Head to trusted betting sites for the latest betting markets for the race on the Australian Guineas.
