Chris Waller has won the two biggest races in Australia this year but has declared he is going all-out with a four-pronged attack in Saturday's $1 million The Gong.
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A victory in the Kembla Grange feature will cap a stunning few months, Waller claiming The Everest with Nature Strip before Verry Elleegant's breakthrough Melbourne Cup triumph.
The wins were special, but Waller also puts The Gong on a pedestal, particularly for the owners of the runners involved on Saturday.
With four horses lining up, Waller is determined to deliver a memorable victory on the final day of the spring carnival.
"We won this race with Mister Sea Wolf a couple of years ago," Waller said.
"He was a good horse, but that was the biggest payday of his life, it capped off a great career. He was a multiple Group winner but he'd never won prizemoney like that.
"We saw how much it meant to those owners, they then reinvest, they've got memories they can relate to.
"It's not quite the same pressure or level of importance as a Melbourne Cup, but Verry Elleegant has won 10 Group 1s, another big race win to her doesn't mean a lot.
"Yes there's always pressure going to those races, but for horses going to The Gong, this is their chance to win a Melbourne Cup or Everest-type race."
Atishu leads the Waller charge as $6 second favourite, while Epsom runner-up Aramayo is an $8 chance.
Nudge and Reloaded are considered outside hopes, however both are proven black-type performers.
Atishu claimed the Group 3 Bill Ritchie earlier this prep and the pieces have fallen into place ahead of Saturday's race. The mare revels on soft ground and will likely thrive if the rain arrives.
"She's been unlucky with her barrier draws in the Epsom and the Golden Eagle," Waller said. "A good draw is good for her, she's capable of winning.
"She has been up a long time, it is the end of the season. That's the query as a trainer, have you still got them firing at the end of their prep?"
Aramayo has impressed since joining the Waller stable. A Group winner in 2018 before heading overseas, the gelding is yet to salute in his return to Australia.
He has, however, placed three times in black-type races this prep before struggling at Flemington last-start and the trainer is confident he will be at his best with James McDonald on board.
"His Epsom run was terrific, as was his lead-up form," Waller said. "Through having a good barrier last start, we rode him too close. In hindsight, we would've ridden him quieter.
"That's why I'm not worried about his draw on Saturday. If he can replicate the Epsom run, he'll be fighting out the finish."
Local hope Count De Rupee is the $3.60 favourite after running second in the Golden Eagle.
Waller concedes the Price gelding is the one to beat and if one of his runners doesn't salute, he won't be disappointed to lose to the Kembla-trained horse.
"His form has been remarkable," Waller said. "There's certainly a hint of some home-soil advantage there. They've done a great job with the horse. I wouldn't complain running second to that team, they're good horsemen and have done a great job with that horse.
"They deserve a big win and are right in the mix in big races."
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
