Waller heavy-handed in 2025 Hollindale Stakes mission

Chris Waller will have a four-pronged attack in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast, but the champion trainer is quick to point out that picking a standout isn’t straightforward, despite Buckaroo heading betting markets.

Also lining up for the Waller camp are Lindermann, Militarize and Kovalica, each bringing their own strengths to the table as they begin their Queensland campaigns.

“If we just had one runner in the race, I’d be talking up their chances of winning the race,” Waller said.

“They’re just happy boys. Give them a trip away and it’s like a holiday for them, a change of scenery.”

Buckaroo and Lindermann come out of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) where they took on elite mare Via Sistina. Wide draws await the pair, but Waller trusts in the class of riders James McDonald and Nash Rawiller to manage the task.

“They’ve got good jockeys on now so it’s their problem, not mine,” Waller said with a smile.

“Buckaroo is third-up and ready to peak. Lindermann has been tough in strong races and will roll forward, so the barrier isn’t too much of an issue.”

Kovalica and Militarize, both unplaced in the Doncaster Mile, have since trialled well and will also progress toward the Doomben Cup.

“It showed us he is close to finding peak form and he didn’t get a lot of luck that day,” Waller said of Militarize.

“He needed the first two runs. We hadn’t seen it at home, his attitude had been great, but I just think he’d had a long time off and like a footy player, they need a bit of seasoning.”

Osipenko will join the stablemates for the Doomben Cup following a strong return at Hawkesbury. For now, the focus is firmly on the Hollindale where Waller’s depth is evident.

Fixed odds currently list Buckaroo at $3.20, followed by Lindermann at $5, with Militarize and Kovalica at $14 and $19 respectively. For those punting on the big race, check out the best promotions on our betting sites page.