Waller, Godolphin team up in the 2025 Sandown Guineas

Chris Waller, who stepped in for Godolphin earlier this spring to claim the prestigious Golden Rose, will again partner with Sheikh Mohammed’s empire when he saddles Burma Star in the $400,000 Sandown Guineas at Caulfield this Saturday.

The promising Exceed And Excel colt is one of two runners for Waller in the mile feature, the other being Pictor, who runs in Yulong’s colours.

The Sandown Guineas was a longtime stronghold for Godolphin, who dominated the race with winners like Paximadia, Kidnapped, Caymans and Morton’s Fork. Waller’s lone victory came in 2010 with Pressday — and he is eager to rekindle that success.

“His record is better than mine, so it’s good to link up with him,” Waller said with a laugh.

“I remember we won one once many years ago with a horse called Pressday, but that team’s going great and it’s good to be part of it.”

Waller made history earlier in the carnival by becoming the first trainer to win a Group 1 with a horse formerly trained by James Cummings, following Beiwacht’s brilliant Golden Rose triumph.

Burma Star has come a long way since arriving from Cummings’ stable as a maiden. After finishing second at his first run for Waller, he broke through at Warwick Farm, then added another placing at Rosehill before capturing the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m) on Melbourne Cup Day.

“He’s come through that well, he’s a really neat horse with a great action and is very professional,” Waller said.

“He just goes to sleep in his races and likewise trackwork, so he looks after himself and turns up on raceday.”

Joao Moreira guided Burma Star to his Springtime Stakes win, but Ben Melham takes over for the Guineas from barrier three.

Pictor finished 1¼ lengths behind Burma Star last time out and will jump from gate nine under Jamie Melham.

See Sandown Guineas betting markets at the JHR bookmakers page.