Sticking to campaign templates that have worked in the past is Chris Waller’s usual formula for big race success.
But the champion trainer is stepping outside the box in his attempt to win the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) first-up with Shinzo.
No horse has captured the $1 million spring feature without at least one lead-up run but Waller says he has no reservations about his decision to deviate from precedent with the Golden Slipper winner.
“Not really because he’s been in work a long time,” Waller said.
“He spelled after the Golden Slipper and he had his full six weeks out and I brought him in basically in June.
“He did some lovely uphill pre-training work, he’s never looked heavy all preparation. He’s had two trials, they’ve been spot-on, he had an exhibition gallop and then he had a jump-out at home last Tuesday (week).
“He’s ready to go.”
Shinzo will also be striving to become the first horse to land the Golden Slipper-Golden Rose double in the same year.
Forensics, the only filly to capture the Golden Rose, won both races in 2007-08 but the three-year-old showpiece was held in the autumn due to the equine influenza outbreak.
Internationally acclaimed jockey Ryan Moore jets in for the prized ride on Shinzo, as he did when guiding the Coolmore-owned colt to his Golden Slipper success, although horse and jockey will have to overcome an awkward draw in barrier 10.
Gate aside, Waller is thrilled with how well Shinzo has returned this time in and says he has furnished beautifully.
“He’s come back stronger and mentally, he’s fantastic, which I think is great for colts and it’s a sign of who he is,” Waller said.
“He’s a proper horse.”
Stablemate Militarize, who will sport blinkers for the first time, also lines up and fared better in the draw with barrier two.
To be ridden by Joao Moreira, Militarize has had a more traditional lead-up, resuming with a closing fifth to Saturday’s rival Cylinder in The Run To The Rose (1200m), a race Waller feels he could have won with even luck.
“I think at equal weights, if he drew a good barrier, I think he wins the race first-up so that’s how he’s going,” he said.
“The 1400 metres will suit him well, although obviously it’s a good race.”
Militarize and the Gary Portelli-trained Encap are the only two Golden Rose runners with Group wins over 1400 metres.