CHRIS Waller is in a comfortable position heading into the Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday with two of the leading chances in Birdman and Leica Lucy as he chases his second victory in the race.
In somewhat of a surprise for Waller, as his horses dominate the Group 1 weight-for-age races, especially at 2000m and further, he has yet to watch his horse be first past the post in the race.
His only winner of the Australian Cup was Preferment in 2016 and he managed to get the race in the stewards’ room after he finished second.
His jockey, Hugh Bowman, successfully protested against Awesome Rock and his jockey, Stephen Baster, for alleged interference.
Waller said his gallopers take separate advantages into the race.
With Birdman, it’s that he’s in winning form and for Leica Lucy, it’s getting her back out in distance to 2000m for the first time since he started training the former New Zealand mare.
Birdman hasn’t been placed in three attempts at Group 1 level, but Waller said he is in the zone and that makes a big difference
Leica Lucy has had six starts at that level for a win in last year’s New Zealand Oaks.
With a Waller, she has had five starts and last spring she finished second in the 2025 Empire Rose Stakes and third in the Toorak Handicap.
“Both are good horses and both are in good form,” Waller said.
“Leica Lucy has a good barrier, which she hasn’t had this time and she’s shown she’s up to Group 1 level.”
“I’m excited about getting her out to 2000m as she hasn’t had it before in Australia, but she has in New Zealand at a high level.”
Waller said Birdman was a different horse this time in and pointed out he was unlucky first-up before he subsequently won the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington and then the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.
“He’s a winner and he’s in great form. He has ticked every box this preparation and that gives the coach great confidence,” he said.
“When they are winning, they come through their runs so much better as they haven’t been to the bottom. When winning, they recover quicker. Also, it’s a big help as you don’t have to improve them as they are in better form.”
“With Birdma,n it’s his confidence which is the key and with Leica Lucy, it’s that she has been at this level before and been successful.”
The Flemington track is rated a Soft 6 and rain is expected to continue over the weekend.
Birdman has had four starts on a soft track for two wins and a second and one start on a heavy track for a second placing.
Leica Lucy has had two starts on soft tracks for two wins.
Unibet has Birdman, who will be ridden by Ben Melham as a $3.40 favourite. Damian Lane will ride Leica Lucy and she is $5.50.
