Chris Waller’s three Cox Plate contenders have completed their final preparations ahead of Saturday’s weight-for-age feature at Moonee Valley.
Last year’s champion Via Sistina was calm and composed in her solo gallop under James McDonald, a contrast to her dramatic lead-up in 2024 when she unseated her rider before storming to victory by eight lengths.
This time, the mare wore earmuffs to help settle her energy.
Waller said the decision worked perfectly and declared her “the same as last year”.
He believes her recent runs have been strong despite not winning, noting, “We just haven’t had the pressure in the races that we would have liked… she’s going very well.”
Stablemates Aeliana and Buckaroo also worked solo.
Waller said Aeliana is improving and ready to run well, while Buckaroo, who skipped the Caulfield Cup (2400m), will appreciate rain-affected ground and “run up to his best”.