The Chris Waller stable has presented its two contenders for the upcoming Cox Plate, with both horses reportedly pleasing their trainer following their final Flemington workouts.
Aeliana, guided by jockey James McDonald, and Birdman, with Ben Melham in the saddle, each completed solo sessions on the outside of the main racing surface on Tuesday morning. Both riders are set to partner the pair in Saturday’s prestigious Cox Plate over 2040 metres.
Both gallopers were subsequently confirmed as final acceptors for this Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m). This year’s edition will be staged at Flemington, as Moonee Valley undergoes necessary renovations.
A total of 12 horses will contest the Cox Plate, with the barrier draw scheduled for 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 elaborated, “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 expressed confidence in both horses, describing them as genuine Group 1 performers who are hitting their peak at the opportune moment.
“Aeliana is ready to peak after a good semi-final run last start and Birdman, the same,” Waller commented.
Regarding Birdman, Waller noted, “His (Birdman’s) fitness gave out with 100 metres to go (last start), so that work will bring him on nicely.”
He further elaborated on their conditioning, stating, “Horses continue to improve if you look after them and that is what we have tried to do, especially with Aeliana.”
“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 added.
Waller also highlighted Aeliana’s seasonal progression, “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 anticipates a competitive Cox Plate field this year, noting the diverse form lines among the 12 acceptors.
He pointed out that the top two finishers from the Caulfied Guineas, Warwoven and Blind Raise, introduce an interesting dynamic, as does the change of venue to Flemington.
“There is plenty of depth,” Waller confirmed.
He continued, “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 will saddle four runners: Light Infantry Man, Land Legend, Middle Earth, and Saint George. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott partnership will field Sir Delius, while other acceptors include Ceolwulf, Attrition, and Cosmic Crusader.
Punters looking for the best Australian betting sites will find competitive racing odds on this major event.