Waller's entrants set for All-Star Mile at Flemington
Leading handler Chris Waller embraces the All-Star Mile format since its promotion to Group 1.
Launched back in 2019, the All-Star Mile moved between key Melbourne venues and mirrored Japan's Arima Kinen by letting the public choose their top pick.
Changes were implemented in later years, and Waller entered sparingly.
Securing Group 1 elevation last year, Waller sent Atishu into the 2025 All-Star Mile, with two from his yard now targeting Saturday's 1600m contest at Flemington.
"The Group 1 status means a lot to me, more so than the prize money," Waller said.
"It was a bit confusing in the first few years, but I think they've got it right now and hopefully the best horse can win."
On Saturday, Buckaroo and Leica Lucy will fly the Waller flag.
These two emerge from the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 21, where they were second and fifth.
"They both ran well first-up at Caulfield, and they came out of the race well," Waller said.
"It was great to see Buckaroo finishing his race off like he does. It's exciting and he's got good form at the mile, and he's got form around the right horses."
Since taking the 2024 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, Buckaroo is yet to win, but as Waller highlighted, he placed second to Via Sistina in the ensuing Turnbull Stakes.
"He likes Caulfield and he likes Moonee Valley, he almost won a Cox Plate, he's pretty versatile and he has also run second to Via Sistina at Flemington one day," Waller said.
"He's definitely better here in Melbourne.
"Leica Lucy, she finished off well first-up. She got back and came up on, in arguably, the worst part of the track.
"She will come on nicely for the run. She had a couple of Group 1 placings last spring, and she looks like she has come on a bit better."
According to Waller, Pride Of Jenni brings extra spice to Saturday's lineup.
"Pride Of Jenni always adds a bit of difference to the race and makes it a tough test, but it's good to see her back," Waller said.
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