Since arriving in the care of Chris Waller late last year, Via Sistina has assembled one of the most dominant modern Australian Group 1 résumés.

She has won 10 of her 15 starts for the stable — all at Group 1 level — and finished in the placings in four more. The exception was the hail-affected Makybe Diva Stakes last spring, when conditions proved impossible.

With rain again on the radar, Via Sistina will chase a second consecutive Champions Stakes victory on Saturday at Flemington.

Forecasts suggest as much as 30mm of race-day rain, but Waller dismissed concerns over her wet-track ability.

“That Makybe Diva was an outlier — hail, ice, completely unique conditions,” he said.

“She’s handled genuine wet conditions everywhere else without issue.”

The mare arrives at the race off another thrilling Cox Plate triumph on October 25, and Waller says there has been no need to train her hard since.

“She’s fit, happy, and thrives on good competition. We’ve just kept her ticking over.”

Waller expects a more suitable tempo this time.

“A stronger pace at Flemington will suit her — she builds and sustains a run probably better than any horse in the country.”

While Via Sistina has options in Hong Kong in December, the stable may instead freshen her for the autumn.

Kovalica, her stablemate, also takes his place and Waller believes the gelding is primed to improve getting to 2000m.

“He’s ready to run well. Fresh legs can be an advantage at this stage of the carnival.”

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