The Chris Waller stable has its two Cox Plate contenders primed and ready, having completed their final workouts at Flemington with their trainer expressing satisfaction.
Aeliana, with James McDonald in the saddle, and Birdman, ridden by Ben Melham, each worked individually on the outside of the course proper on Tuesday morning. Both riders are confirmed to partner the horses in Saturday’s 2040m Cox Plate.
Both gallopers were subsequently confirmed as final acceptors for Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m), which will be contested at Flemington this year while Moonee Valley undergoes renovations.
A field of 12 has accepted for the Cox Plate, with the barrier draw scheduled to take place later on Tuesday.
“Both horses are well and their riders were happy with their work, and it was good to have them aboard,” Waller stated.
He added, “It was good strong work, and their recovery was good afterwards. They ticked all the boxes in terms of preparing for Saturday’s Cox Plate.”
Waller indicated that both horses are genuine Group 1 performers who are peaking at the right time.
“Aeliana is ready to peak after a good semi-final run last start and Birdman, the same,” Waller said.
“His (Birdman’s) fitness gave out with 100 metres to go (last start), so that work will bring him on nicely,” he added.
“Horses continue to improve if you look after them and that is what we have tried to do, especially with Aeliana,” Waller commented.
“We saw her find her best possible form in the autumn, which saw her get some good ratings, and Birdman has just been the big improver over the last six months, winning his Group 1 in Brisbane and here in Melbourne,” he explained.
Waller also highlighted Aeliana’s seasonal form: “Aeliana, she just gradually finds her way through winter, and the spring just brings the hormones and everything together and she is a very healthy horse.”
The trainer commented that the 12 runners in Saturday’s Cox Plate make for an interesting race with varying form lines.
He noted that the inclusion of the top two from the Caulfied Guineas – Warwoven and Blind Raise – adds a different dimension, as does the race being run at Flemington.
“There is plenty of depth,” Waller confirmed.
He added, “The three-year-olds are classy and come into the race with great form, there’s going to be plenty of speed in the race and it’s a weight-for-age race. It will be one for the ages.”
Ciaron Maher has four runners in the race – Light Infantry Man, Land Legend, Middle Earth, and Saint George. Sir Delius will represent the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable, with Ceolwulf, Attrition, and Cosmic Crusader also among the acceptors.
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