Chris Waller sets sights on successive McKell Cups

Chris Waller is pinning his faith in Bold Mac to overcome a distance query when he steps up to 2000-metres in the Listed McKell Cup at Rosehill.

The former New Zealander will be one of three Cup runners for Sydney’s premier trainer along with dour stayer Irish Sequel and Lord Ardmore, while Desert Icon has been scratched in favour of the Ipswich Cup (2150m) in Queensland.

Bold Mac is yet to win beyond 1500m but he finished second at his only previous middle-distance test and arrives at Saturday’s race with a solid three-run foundation.

Waller has taken confidence from the gelding’s build-up, particularly his most recent effort when he was doing his best work late for fifth to Mach Schnell over 1800m at Rosehill.

“Bold Mac is certainly working his way into form, and I think will be well suited to the race on Saturday from barrier one over 2000 metres,” Waller said.

“He is yet to win over the trip, he has been effective over 1500 metres and less, but is ready to fire.”

Waller also anticipates the Cup journey being more to the liking of Lord Ardmore, who was outsprinted when midfield behind stablemate Democracy Manifest at Randwick last Saturday.

Significantly, the gelding has won three of his five starts at Rosehill and is proven on a seven-day back-up.

Waller won the McKell Cup for the first time last year with Skyman and while his runners on Saturday aren’t among the elite of his talent-laden stable, they are capable off-season horses.

He said the fact they could race for black-type at this time of year was a reflection of the strong position of local racing.

“The horses we have running here didn’t quite make the journey to Queensland, but they are still lucky enough to be running for fantastic prizemoney in the middle of winter,” Waller said.

“Sydney racing certainly shines 52 weeks of the year and it has been given an added boost this year with so many good tracks.”