Trainer Chris Waller is considering up to five stayers for the upcoming Caulfield Cup, as well as preparing a late entry for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas later this month. Waller’s runner De Armas earned a late $27,500 nomination fee into the Thousand Guineas after a strong win in the Group 1 Flight Stakes over 1600 meters in Sydney.
“She’s only had two starts in Australia,” Waller said of De Armas, noting the filly’s transition from 1200 meters to a mile has been rapid. De Armas is currently rated at $7 in betting markets for the Thousand Guineas, positioning her just behind favourites Regency Ambition ($4), Over The Bridge ($5), and Saintly Dancer ($6), all trained by Ciaron Maher. South Australia’s Pretty Baby is also rated at $7. Waller may also run Sing Your Song at $15 odds for the Guineas.
Waller is targeting a third Caulfield Cup victory on Saturday, led by Oboe Wins, a winner of both the New Zealand and Australian Oaks. The mare is currently given an $18 chance, with Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil engaged to ride, carrying 51.5 kilograms. Waller highlighted Oboe Wins’ stamina over 2400 meters and noted her recent form is improving, with a positive effort in the Turnbull Stakes.
“Her 2400-meter record is fantastic, Oaks winner in New Zealand and Australia,” Waller said. He added that dropping back to a handicap race at this distance suits her style, as she has not previously won at distances shorter than 2000 meters. “I’ve taken a bit of a different approach... she’s been at Oaks distances twice, so it’s not a new trip.”
Other Caulfield Cup contenders in Waller’s stable include Asterix, Wootton Venn, and Soul Of Spain. Asterix performed poorly in the Turnbull Stakes due to racing keenly but has been reported sound post-race. Waller suggested Wootton Venn may run depending on weather conditions, preferring a wet track. Soul Of Spain remains a chance as well.
Valiant King, who finished third in the Caulfield Cup last year, is currently 31st in the Order of Entry and faces an uncertain chance of making the final 18-horse field.
Waller also qualified Pinhole for the Caulfield Cup with a win in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400 meters last Saturday. However, he indicated that Pinhole might benefit more from a longer break before the Melbourne Cup, which follows three weeks after the Caulfield Cup.
Waller has previously claimed Caulfield Cup victories with Verry Elleegant in 2020 and Durston in 2022 as he aims to maintain his recent success in the prestigious race.