Waller wary of small field with Buckaroo in 2025 Might And Power Stakes field

Chris Waller will again face a small field at Caulfield this weekend, but that doesn’t mean he’s a fan of them — even if he once claimed one of the most famous editions of the The Might And Power with Winx.

Buckaroo, one of Waller’s most consistent middle-distance gallopers, is among just five runners in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 The Might And Power, joining Treasurethe Moment, Light Infantry Man, Globe and Hezashocka.

Light Infantry Man is also dually nominated for the $2 million Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill, leaving connections to make a late call on where he starts.

Waller, who famously prepared Winx to win a three-horse edition of the race in 2016, said that while smaller fields reduce interference, they can also make for messy affairs with limited tempo.

“Less to beat,” he said with a smile. “But I don’t like no pace in any race — I’m a big fan of pacemakers if they brought them in. It makes it easier for punters and everyone to predict. Less pace means more unpredictable, so it wouldn’t suit him.”

Pacemakers are legal in some international jurisdictions but not in Australia. Waller said a controlled tempo often disadvantages backmarkers and fans, calling for discussions around race structure and entertainment value.

The 2000m feature, previously known as the Caulfield Stakes, has a history of small fields — from Bonecrusher’s six-horse win in 1986 to Atlantic Jewel and Probabeel’s five-runner triumphs in more recent years.

Buckaroo heads into this year’s race third-up after strong runs in both the Memsie Stakes (1400m) and Underwood Stakes (1800m), the latter form enhanced by Sir Delius’ subsequent Turnbull Stakes victory.

“Second-up was awesome and third-up he should be ready to peak,” Waller said. “He’s come on nicely and we’re really happy with him.”

The stable will decide whether Buckaroo backs up in the Caulfield Cup with 59kg or waits for the Cox Plate after assessing his performance on Saturday.

To view updated odds and market movers for The Might And Power and other Group 1 features, visit Australia’s best betting sites.