Waller edges toward elite 200 club via Panova in Adelaide group one
With Panova's win, Chris Waller is now merely one triumph from an distinguished group after notching his 199th Group One in the Australasian Oaks held at Morphettville.
A mere two Aussie trainers, namely T J Smith and Bart Cummings, have amassed over 200 major victories, the famed pair retiring with 246 apiece.
Panova's victory propelled Waller to 19 Group 1 wins for the season, level with the national record he previously set in 2024-25.
According to Waller, attaining the landmark 200 hasn't occupied his thoughts, as he's overjoyed to see the filly back in the winners' circle following a sluggish start to her prep.
"She had a temperature at the start of the autumn, and we don't want to push them. We gave her time," Waller said.
"But as a result she was a bit bigger, and we all know about that. Once you get out of shape, it's hard to get back in shape, whether you're a racehorse or a person, so we've just worked away, we haven't rushed her, and she's got there today."
In Sydney stakes races, Panova had performed solidly but failed to win, her last triumph from the tail end of spring in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) over Flemington's track.
James McDonald, the winning rider, sensed that racing anti-clockwise suited Panova well, and he relished securing his debut Group 1 success in Adelaide after dominating Sydney's autumn with 10 Group 1 rides.
"It's an honour to be here," McDonald said.
"To win one of the nice Oaks, I enjoy winning classics. They're one of my favourites, rich in history and this race is no different."
Waller hinted the filly's preparation may only be beginning, positioning her as a contender for the Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm in June.
"She is very adaptable. A talented horse," Waller said.
"We started a long way behind the eight ball, and she has caught up now. She will train on from it and might even get to the Queensland Oaks."
From $11 into contention, Panova surged externally from midfield to win by a length from Mating Call ($6) and Paltrow Miss ($15) in third.
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