Chris Waller is set to prepare over a quarter of the Sydney Cup participants, with his assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth noting a key shared attribute among their group.
“With all of our runners in this, there isn’t much of a query over the distance,” Duckworth said.
Although seven from the 15 Sydney Cup hopefuls remain unproven at 3200m, every one of Waller’s has prior exposure at or near that distance.
River Of Stars placed fourth in last year’s Melbourne Cup (3200m), Valiant King has run in Australia’s premier staying contest on two occasions, Soul Of Spain notched a victory over 3319m in Ireland, and Hutchence triumphed in his sole two-mile attempt abroad.
River Of Stars ($7.50) stands as the barn’s top hope, despite carrying a hefty 56.5kg burden.
Just five mares have triumphed in the race since 1989, among them Makybe Diva who won with 55.5kg in 2004 – securing victory between her initial and subsequent Melbourne Cup successes.
Duckworth recognises the challenge ahead for River Of Stars but remains convinced of her class and endurance to perform strongly.
“She’s the class horse in the race, which is why she’s got top weight,” he said.
“She’s got a lovely draw (barrier six) to try to offset that weight, and two miles isn’t an issue with her, she is a proper staying mare.”
Valiant King finished third in the Caulfield Cup, and despite no placings in three outings this preparation, his team is keen to have him compete on Saturday following his absence from the event last year.
“He was awesome in the spring,” Duckworth said.
“He’s yet to hit that height this prep, but we’re hoping Saturday will be when he does.
“He was scratched from the race last year, so we’ve got some unfinished business with him.”
The second day of The Championships promises another significant session for the Waller stable, featuring 14 entrants in four Group 1 events, led by impressive mares Autumn Glow and Aeliana in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
Autumn Glow has drawn the bulk of pre-race spotlight in her effort to stretch her perfect record to 12, yet Duckworth highlights Aeliana’s own excellence after wins in the Ranvet Stakes and Tancred Stakes in her latest two appearances.
“She has been faultless,” he said.
“She’s such a terrific horse, and she stays very well.”
Aeliana has demonstrated ability up to 2400m, but considerable discussion surrounds the choice to extend Autumn Glow to this middle-distance trip for the first time at Randwick.
This week, Waller and rider James McDonald have reaffirmed their belief that Autumn Glow will cope with the distance, though they anticipate opponents might adopt aggressive approaches to test any potential vulnerability.
“The query is how quick they do end up going in this 2000 metre race,” Duckworth said.
“Everyone in the race will, I imagine, want to make it a stamina test as that’s likely to be the only chink in the favourite’s armour.”
Lindermann, prepared by Waller, appears poised to set the pace, while Dubai Honour and Caviar Heights from William Haggas, plus Sir Delius, possess the flexibility to advance early.
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