Champion trainer Chris Waller isn’t entering the debate over whether the Victoria Derby should be shortened from 2500m to 2000m.
Waller, who has already trained three winners of the Classic — Preferment (2014), Manzoice (2022) and Riff Rocket (2023) — will saddle Providence and Savisanta in Saturday’s Flemington feature.
“Providence is by Wootton Bassett, a great international stallion that leaves winners over all distances, so that gives us a bit of confidence that he’ll get 2500 metres,” Waller said. “He certainly hit the line strongly last Saturday, so he’s a great chance.”
Providence, related to Preferment, ran second in the Vase (2040m) last weekend, while Savisanta comes via the Geelong Classic.
“The Derby is a unique race,” Waller said. “They have to be fit and well prepared, and stamina is the key.”