Champion trainer Chris Waller chases first VRC Oaks win

Chris Waller will tick off a rare first this week, with The Pearls giving him his maiden starter in the VRC Oaks during Melbourne Cup week.

The three-year-old filly has earned her shot at the 2500m Group 1 after steadily rising through the grades from a Hawkesbury maiden to Stakes-placed company.

She ran second in the Gloaming Stakes then finished third in the Spring Champion Stakes, showing stamina and mental strength.

Waller said the stable ordinarily does not press fillies to the Oaks at this stage of the season.

“It comes up quickly and it’s a long way,” Waller said.

“But she has kept ticking every box. Every run, every recovery, even the float trip — she’s handled it all.”

Waller has won Oaks races across the country but never the VRC edition.

“She’s robust, she’s strong and she’s tough — exactly the type of filly you need,” he said.

Barrier 12 is less than ideal, but Waller is happy to trust James McDonald’s race sense.

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