Chris Waller takes a powerful trio into the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), a race which has amazingly eluded Australia’s premier trainer.
The race has proven to be somewhat of a jinx for Waller as from 20 starters in the Caulfield Cup his best results have been two fifths.
Waller will be represented by the three horses who filled the placings in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), which were the winner Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed), runner-up Toffee Tongue (NZ) (Tavistock) and third placegetter Finche (Frankel).
Waller described them “as three completely different horses” going into Saturday’s 2400m race.
“I think their form is franked, they’re going well so that’s got to be good going into a Caulfield Cup,” Waller said.
Waller said the challenge for star mare Verry Elleegant was her weight of 55kg.
“She’s got a big weight and that has to be respected. It has made it hard for a lot of mares in the past and that’s my concern,” Waller said.
Verry Elleegant has had only one start at Caulfield which was at the corresponding meeting two years ago when she won the Ethereal Stakes.
Last year Finche finished second in the Turnbull Stakes before he started favourite in the Caulfield Cup and finished fifth from barrier 15.
“Finche had no luck in the race last year from the draw and still ran well,” Waller said.
“His run the other day was very good and he’s better suited at the weights than Verry Elleegant.
“Toffee Tongue, who knows? Up to 2400, she might be the one.”
Toffee Tongue has similar form to the last four-year-old mare to win the race in Jameka (Myboycharlie), who claimed the Caulfield Cup in 2016 after finishing second in the Turnbull Stakes.
However, Jameka carried 52.5kg when she won while Toffee Tongue will carry only 51kg.
The barrier draw for the Caulfield Cup will be conducted on Wednesday night.
