Chris Waller eyes breakthrough Australian Guineas triumph

A significant achievement missing from champion trainer Chris Waller's record is a victory in the Group 1 Australian Guineas.

The trainer is set to pursue that missing piece with Sixties in the 1600m three-year-old feature at Flemington on Saturday.

Extensive preparation has shaped Sixties' campaign for this year's Guineas, including Waller transporting the colt to Melbourne for left-handed track exposure before the big race.

Following in the footsteps of Riff Rocket from 2024, Sixties triumphed in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington during February, but Waller anticipates a better Guineas performance now.

Riff Rocket was third to Southport Tycoon at $2.50 favourite status in 2024, then travelled to Sydney for wins in the Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby.

"He's very fit and ready for his Grand Final," Waller said of Sixties.

"He's had the two runs back from a spell and both have been pretty impressive to my eyes.

"After the Golden Rose it was either the Australian Guineas or Randwick Guineas and we've got Autumn Boy in Sydney, so we decided to split them up.

"He needed to run well first-up, which he did, and he needed a run left-handed, which he did well, and he's kept improving.

"It's another step up on Saturday, but he's the right horse to be able to do it."

Damian Lane retains the ride on Sixties from his C S Hayes win, partnering him on Saturday prior to a suspension for careless riding.

The colt draws the outside barrier 10 and must contend with Victoria Derby victor Observer, fresh off a dominant return in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 7.

According to Waller, Sixties is adaptable and boasts a superb disposition.

"He's led and won Stakes races before and he's come from back and he's sat wide," Waller said.

"The beauty of Sixties is, he's got a great temperament. Wherever Damian wants to be, he'll be responsive and he will settle if he does ask him a question early.

"I think we'll leave it to Damian, see how they leave the barriers, see how the first 200 metres suggests where other horses are.

"He doesn't need to be too far away and if he wants to, he can settle."

Observer stands out as Waller's biggest concern.

"He's a good horse and the distance will suit him," Waller said.

"His first-up win was terrific and he looks very good, but hopefully he's not as good as Sixties."

Additionally, Waller enters Officiate, ridden by Ben Melham.

"He needs to improve a little bit. He's a rough chance," Waller said.

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