Chris Waller, usually the man setting the standard, has drawn inspiration from Sheila Laxon’s surprise Melbourne Cup win with Knight’s Choice to map out a bold campaign of his own.

Knight’s Choice, bred in rural Walcha, defied the international dominance in last year’s Cup—a result that’s pushed Waller to revisit the potential of homegrown stayers.

One of his leading contenders is Kadavar, who resumes in Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick.

“After the Melbourne Cup last year when Sheila Laxon’s horse won, it made me think about if we had an Australian or New Zealand bred horse that we could take through the grades and build them towards two miles because it is a winnable race,” Waller said.

Kadavar boasts an unblemished 2400-metre record and hails from strong staying stock—by Victoria Derby winner Tarzino and out of Oaks winner Arapaho Miss.

“I’m not saying he is going to win a Melbourne Cup, but he is being set for a Melbourne Cup,” Waller said.

Saltcoats, second emergency, is also in the mix following a strong finish in the Winter Challenge.

“He needs a couple of scratchings to get into the race but if he gets into the field he will be hard to beat,” Waller said.

Waller also has five confirmed runners, including More Felons, runner-up in the 2024 Tancred Stakes.