Chris Waller stands just a single victory from entering an elite group following Panova’s provision of his 199th Group One success in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.
Just two trainers from Australia, T J Smith and Bart Cummings, have secured more than 200 top-level wins, with the iconic duo concluding their remarkable careers at 246 each.
The achievement with Panova also elevated Waller to 19 Group 1 triumphs this season, matching the Australian benchmark he established in the 2024-25 campaign.
Waller indicates that reaching the coveted 200 mark hasn’t been his primary aim, and he’s simply delighted to witness Panova reclaim victory after lagging throughout her current preparation.
“She had a temperature at the start of the autumn, and we don’t want to push them. We gave her time,” Waller said.
“But as a result she was a bit bigger, and we all know about that. Once you get out of shape, it’s hard to get back in shape, whether you’re a racehorse or a person, so we’ve just worked away, we haven’t rushed her, and she’s got there today.”
Panova had competed strongly in stakes events around Sydney without breaking through, her previous success achieved at the close of her spring stint in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Jockey James McDonald believed the switch back to left-handed tracks benefited Panova, and he was thrilled to claim his inaugural Group 1 in Adelaide, coming after a stellar Sydney autumn where the top rider notched 10 Group 1 successes.
“It’s an honour to be here,” McDonald said.
“To win one of the nice Oaks, I enjoy winning classics. They’re one of my favourites, rich in history and this race is no different.”
Waller suggested that Panova’s campaign could be in its early stages, with the filly potentially heading toward the Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm come June.
“She is very adaptable. A talented horse,” Waller said.
“We started a long way behind the eight ball, and she has caught up now. She will train on from it and might even get to the Queensland Oaks.”
Panova, at $11, charged wide from the rear to prevail by one length against Mating Call ($6), while Paltrow Miss ($15) filled third place.
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