Waller’s trio ready to rumble in G1 Cox Plate

Champion trainer confident 2024 winner Via Sistina can repeat the feat in Melbourne

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Jockey James McDonald standing high in the irons after Via Sistina romps home in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2,040m) at Moonee Valley on Oct 26, 2024.

RACING AND SPORTS

MELBOURNE It was an uneventful morning for the Chris Waller trio of Cox Plate contestants, as they had their final workouts ahead of the weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley on Oct 25.

In 2024, Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina dumped her rider James McDonald, and galloped a couple of extra laps at Moonee Valley before returning to the track the following Saturday on Oct 26 to win the Group 1 Cox Plate (2,040m) by eight lengths.

She also smashed Winx’s Moonee Valley track record set in the 2017 Cox Plate by stopping the clock in 2min 01.07sec, 1.87 seconds faster than Australia’s legendary mare and four-time Cox Plate winner.

Now an eight-year-old, it was a more sedate Via Sistina who stepped out with McDonald in the saddle, and sporting a set of earmuffs when working solo.

Her stablemates, Aeliana (Group 1 Australian Derby (2,400m) winner) and Buckaroo (2024 Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1,800m) victor),also worked solo to round out their preparations for the Group 1 showpiece worth A$6 million (S$5.1 million).

A 10-time Group 1 winner, Via Sistina drew barrier 5, with Aeliana in gate 8 and Buckaroo in barrier 4 in the nine-horse field.

Waller said the stable fitted the earmuffs on Via Sistina as she was full of energy, but also declared the mare is spot-on for Oct 25’s feature race at weight-for-age.

“She’s