Betting markets view Sixties as Chris Waller’s backup contender in the Doncaster Mile, yet the trainer has solid arguments for the three-year-old playing a key role in the Randwick highlight.
The Sheza Alibi trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman leads the wagering as the $2 top pick, followed closely by Waller’s Autumn Boy at $7, while Sixties sits among the subsequent group of horses priced from $14 to $19.
This campaign, the colt has encountered poor draws, such as his third-place effort in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington, and now draws the widest gate again in the 16-runner Doncaster lineup.
However, should he receive some luck from that position, Waller is confident Sixties possesses the ability to contend strongly at the finish.
“Sixties is a very talented horse, and he showed that with his Phar Lap (Stakes) win, and before that as well,” Waller said.
“He didn’t get much luck in his last Group One run, which was in the Australian Guineas, when he drew wide and needed to go forward. It didn’t quite work for him.
“He’s (Group 1 winner) Artorius’ brother, so he’s well bred, and he’s a really good-natured horse.”
Rachel King rode Sixties to success in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) last year and retains the mount this Saturday.
Although she hasn’t yet secured a major victory partnering Waller, King boasts six Group 1 triumphs in Australia with trainers Bjorn Baker, Tulloch Lodge, and Mark Newnham, plus one more from her time riding in Japan last year.
Waller is delighted to have the lightweight specialist aboard, noting her proven success in top-tier events.
“She won a Group race on him in the spring, and she is a natural lightweight rider,” he said.
“I see her as a big race rider. She’s won some big races in Australia, some big races in Japan, big races in Melbourne. She’s the right person for the job.”
King takes mounts in every one of the four Group 1 contests on the first day of The Championships, including Rachini for Baker in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), stablemate Green Spaces in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), and Mazu for Joe Pride in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).
Discover the top Australian betting sites offering the keenest racing odds for the Doncaster Mile.