Melbourne Cup 2025 dream starts at Randwick for Kadavar's connections

Chris Waller is no stranger to leading the way in Australian racing, but the Hall of Fame trainer says last year’s Melbourne Cup win by Knight’s Choice has sparked a fresh approach to his Cup ambitions this spring.

Sheila Laxon’s victory with the Walcha-bred gelding was a significant moment, showing that homebred stayers still have a place among international challengers, and Waller says it inspired him to back local talent.

“After last year’s Cup, I thought, ‘Why not us?’ If you have a stayer from Australia or New Zealand and you nurture them properly, the race is still winnable,” Waller said. “It was great for our breeding industry and gives us reason to keep believing.”

Kadavar, his spring project, is first-up this weekend in the Premier’s Cup Prelude at Randwick. A true staying type, Kadavar is by Victoria Derby champ Tarzino and from Oaks winner Arapaho Miss, and has never been beaten over 2400m.

“We’ve got our eyes on the Melbourne Cup, but we’re taking it step-by-step,” Waller said. “He had a prep run in the Scone Cup and then the Lord Mayors Cup. We’ll progress towards the Metropolitan and reassess from there.”

Heavy track conditions may see some withdrawals, improving Kadavar’s chances of gaining a run. Waller also has Saltcoats waiting as second emergency and hoping to break through after a strong third in the Winter Challenge.

“He’s primed to run well if he gets in,” Waller added.

More Felons heads Waller’s quintet of confirmed runners, returning to the track following injury and a strong autumn that included a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes. Those keen to follow Waller’s Cup-bound team can explore markets on leading Australian betting sites.