No distance worries for Waller's four in Sydney Cup challenge

More than 25 percent of the Sydney Cup lineup will be saddled by Chris Waller, according to assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth, who points out a unifying factor for their entries.

"With all of our runners in this, there isn't much of a query over the distance," Duckworth said.

Seven of the 15 vying for Sydney Cup glory lack trials at 3200m, but all Waller's representatives bring form over similar or exact distances.

Last year's Melbourne Cup (3200m) saw River Of Stars in fourth, Valiant King has tackled the nation's marquee staying event twice, Soul Of Spain claimed success at 3319m in Ireland, with Hutchence victorious in his only overseas two-miler.

The stable views River Of Stars ($7.50) as their prime contender, even with 56.5kg to shoulder.

Since 1989, only five mares have prevailed, notably Makybe Diva carrying 55.5kg to victory in 2004 – sandwiched between her opening and following Melbourne Cup wins.

Duckworth concedes River Of Stars has a stern test but insists her ability and staying power position her well.

"She's the class horse in the race, which is why she's got top weight," he said.

"She's got a lovely draw (barrier six) to try to offset that weight, and two miles isn't an issue with her, she is a proper staying mare."

Third in the Caulfield Cup, Valiant King has yet to podium in three starts this campaign, but his connections eagerly await his appearance Saturday after bypassing it last season.

"He was awesome in the spring," Duckworth said.

"He's yet to hit that height this prep, but we're hoping Saturday will be when he does.

"He was scratched from the race last year, so we've got some unfinished business with him."

Day two at The Championships holds major potential for Waller with 14 horses across four Group 1s, spotlighting mares Autumn Glow and Aeliana in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

Though Autumn Glow commands much hype aiming for win 12, Duckworth praises Aeliana's recent dominance in the Ranvet Stakes and Tancred Stakes.

"She has been faultless," he said.

"She's such a terrific horse, and she stays very well."

Proven to 2400m, Aeliana contrasts with Autumn Glow's first foray at this Randwick middle distance, sparking debate.

Waller and James McDonald this week stood firm on Autumn Glow's suitability for the journey, ready for rivals to push hard on any distance doubts.

"The query is how quick they do end up going in this 2000 metre race," Duckworth said.

"Everyone in the race will, I imagine, want to make it a stamina test as that's likely to be the only chink in the favourite's armour."

The Waller runner Lindermann seems the obvious front-runner, joined potentially by William Haggas's Dubai Honour and Caviar Heights, and Sir Delius, all capable of forward roles.

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