Chris Waller's Caulfield Cup Field Yet to Be Finalised

Track gallops and prevailing weather conditions will be key factors in determining the final lineup for trainer Chris Waller's Caulfield Cup contenders.

Currently, six of the 34 horses remaining in contention for the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday are under Waller's care. Horses confirmed to be in the field include Pinhole, who, despite being equal first on ballot, is unlikely to take part, alongside Ohope Wins (positioned 15th), Asterix (17th), Wootton Verni (19th), Soul Of Spain (21st), and Valiant King (31st). The race's capacity is 18 runners, with an additional four emergencies.

Pinhole earned automatic entry into the field by winning the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last Saturday. However, post-race, Waller indicated a preference to target the Melbourne Cup with the imported stayer, possibly through the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley, or the Bendigo Cup.

The other five stayers in the Waller stable are expected to participate in a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday before a final decision is made regarding their participation. The deadline for final acceptances for the Cup is 9:30 am on Tuesday, with the barrier draw to follow.

"We could potentially have five, or maybe three," Waller commented.

Ohope Win is progressing well towards the 2400m journey, having demonstrated its capability with a win over the same distance in the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in April. Waller confirmed that Valiant King would be a runner if he can secure a spot in the final field.

"Wootton Verni might run, but I'm keen to see the weather forecast for him," Waller explained. "He performs better with some rain, and I'd also like him to settle a bit more."

"Soul Of Spain ran second in the Sydney Cup and then third in The Metropolitan recently, while Asterix got keen and struggled to find its rhythm last time out. They will both be here on Tuesday morning for me to inspect and make a decision."

Waller intends to be present on Tuesday to observe his prospective Caulfield Cup Day runners in their gallops. The Rosehill track will be available for workouts on Monday, enabling Waller to remain in Sydney and monitor his team's preparations for The Everest meeting.

Having secured two victories in the Caulfield Cup, Waller cherishes significant memories associated with the prestigious race, most notably Verry Elleegant's 2020 win.

"It's a great Club. They do a great job 365 days of the year," Waller said. "They're always asking questions, what can we do to improve, what can we do to help. What's your opinion on the track. They're a forward-thinking group and they keep raising the bar which hasn't been easy. Verry Elleegant was an important win and historically it's a great form race for the Melbourne Cup. I remember Veandercross not winning the Caulfield Cup. I would have been in New Zealand then because my boss (Paddy Busuttin) had Castletown run it."

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