Chris Waller knows a thing or two about winning small-field races — after all, his superstar mare Winx once dominated a three-horse edition of the The Might And Power. But the champion trainer admits he’d rather see bigger, more competitive line-ups.
This weekend at Caulfield, Waller will again tackle a reduced field, with Buckaroo one of only five runners set to contest the $1 million Group 1 The Might And Power alongside Treasurethe Moment, Light Infantry Man, Globe and Hezashocka.
Light Infantry Man is also entered for the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill, and connections are weighing up their options between Sydney and Melbourne.
Waller acknowledged there are benefits to smaller fields — “less to beat,” as he put it — but said they often create tactical headaches, especially when there’s no natural speed in the race.
“I don’t like no pace in any race,” Waller said. “I’m a big fan of pacemakers, if they brought them in. It makes it easier for punters and everyone to predict. Less pace means more unpredictability, and that doesn’t suit him.”
Pacemakers, which are permitted in some international racing jurisdictions, are banned in Australia. Winx didn’t need one when she took out the 2016 The Might And Power as a $1.24 favourite — Waller’s sole victory in the race to date.
Small fields have long been common in the 2000m contest, formerly known as the Caulfield Stakes. Bonecrusher won in a six-horse field in 1986, while So You Think, Ocean Park, Arcadia Queen and Probabeel also prevailed in fields of similar size.
Buckaroo heads into Saturday’s assignment third-up following eye-catching placings in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) and Underwood Stakes (1800m). The latter’s form has proven strong, with winner Sir Delius taking out last weekend’s Turnbull Stakes.
“Second-up was awesome and third-up he should be ready to peak,” Waller said.
The stable will decide post-race whether Buckaroo progresses to the Caulfield Cup with 59kg or waits for the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
For the latest The Might And Power odds and betting promotions, visit Australia’s leading betting sites.
