Chris Waller trio ready to rumble in 2025 Cox Plate

Chris Waller’s Cox Plate team had a far smoother preparation this year than 12 months ago, with his trio of Via Sistina, Aeliana, and Buckaroo all completing trouble-free gallops at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning.

Last year’s winner Via Sistina, who caused a stir when unseating jockey James McDonald during her final workout before storming to victory, was on her best behaviour this time. Wearing earmuffs and working solo, she looked sharp and relaxed under McDonald’s guidance.

Stablemates Aeliana and Buckaroo also galloped individually, rounding off their Cox Plate preparations. The barrier draw saw Via Sistina land in five, Buckaroo in four, and Aeliana in eight for Saturday’s $6 million weight-for-age classic.

“She’s in great form and every bit as good as last year,” Waller said of Via Sistina. “Her races haven’t had the tempo we’d like, but her sectionals show she’s flying. She’s right where we want her to be.”

Aeliana, Waller’s ATC Derby-winning mare, has continued to progress since arriving in Melbourne. “She’s working beautifully and everything in her system is perfect — bloods, recovery, attitude. She’s just waiting for that spring coat to come right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Buckaroo missed a start in the Caulfield Cup due to his topweight but now looks well placed back at weight-for-age. “He’s a tough, seasoned campaigner and the likely rain will bring him right into play,” Waller added.

The champion trainer said all three horses had come through their final hit-outs in ideal shape as he eyes another Cox Plate triumph.