Waller's 'boys' set for Memsie Stakes challenge

Renowned trainer Chris Waller is pinning his hopes on his male gallopers to clinch his second Group 1 victory of the current season.

After tasting success in the season's inaugural Group 1 race, the Winx Stakes at Randwick last Saturday, predominantly with a team of mares, Waller will now field three colts and two geldings in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.

Two of the stable's contenders, Angel Capital and Birdman, underwent a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, benefiting from the track conditions softened by recent rainfall. Beiwacht, who was a late scratching from the Winx Stakes due to an elevated temperature, also completed a gallop and was given the green light by Waller to compete.

Buckaroo and Autumn Boy are the other two horses set to represent the stable.

While rider bookings are still pending, it has been confirmed that celebrated Sydney jockey James McDonald will be in Melbourne to participate in the Memsie Stakes meeting.

"He will be here, but we haven't worked out what he will be riding," Waller disclosed. "We will keep a watch on the weather and what transpires."

Waller expressed his confidence in Angel Capital, describing him as a Group 1 winner in waiting, and noted his significant improvement following his first-up run in Sydney, where he finished third in the Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on August 8.

"It's only bad luck that is holding him back from being a multiple Group 1 winner," Waller remarked. "He'll get his chance on Saturday, but I am a little bit concerned about the track. His better form is on better tracks, but the beauty of Caulfield is it does dry very well. The 1400 metres is a good distance for him, and he normally runs well at Caulfield. He's come on well and if anything, better than I thought. He's held his weight as he's a mature colt now."

Discussing Birdman, Waller relayed the jockey's assessment: "Birdman, Jye McNeil was aboard, and he said he felt great, had a good attitude. He found good form down here in the autumn and he carried it right through to Brisbane, winning the Doomben Cup. He resumes ahead of a good preparation, we hope."

Buckaroo, who achieved a second-place finish first-up in last year's Memsie Stakes, will be aimed at shorter races throughout this preparation.

After finishing runner-up to Via Sistina in the Cox Plate, Buckaroo concluded the Melbourne Cup in last position. He returned for a brief campaign in the autumn, being spelled after just two starts.

Buckaroo has completed three trials as part of his preparation for his racing return.

"He won a jump-out at Flemington to give him some bragging rights last week and he's come through that well," Waller stated. "We will target shorter races with him this prep. He does hold an entry for the Caulfield Cup, but I think we will stick to 1800 metres, might stretch him to 2000 metres, but he has come back with plenty of enthusiasm."

Waller indicated that Autumn Boy, who was also withdrawn from the Winx Stakes last week, will remain based in Melbourne following Saturday's engagement.

"He's a stallion, a multiple Group 1 winner, and we're keen to get him to a Cox Plate," Waller said. "There's lots of options down here and once he gets out to 1600, 1800, 2000 metres, he will be a horse to be reckoned with."

Waller provided an update on Beiwacht, confirming that the horse was cleared by his veterinary team after being scratched from the Winx Stakes due to an elevated temperature.

"His blood profile was back to normal yesterday and the vets allowed us to gallop him this morning, and he galloped well," Waller confirmed. "Providing he comes through the work well, we will accept with him on Wednesday."

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