The two horses to represent the Chris Waller stable in the Cox Plate have pleased their trainer with final workouts at Flemington.
Aeliana, with James McDonald aboard, and Birdman, ridden by Ben Melham, who will ride the pair in the Cox Plate (2040m) on Saturday, each worked solo on the outside of the course proper on Tuesday morning.
Both horses were then final acceptors for Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) which will this year be run at Flemington as Moonee Valley undergoes a rebuild.
A field of 12 accepted for the Cox Plate with the barrier draw to be held later on Tuesday.
“Both horses are well and their riders were happy with their work, and it was good to have them aboard,” Waller said.
“It was good strong work, and their recovery was good afterwards. They ticked all the boxes in terms of preparing for Saturday’s Cox Plate.”
Waller said both horses were genuine Group 1 performers who are reaching their peak at the right time.
“Aeliana is ready to peak after a good semi-final run last start and Birdman, the same,” Waller said.
“His (Birdman’s) fitness gave out with 100 metres to go (last start), so that work will bring him on nicely.
“Horses continue to improve if you look after them and that is what we have tried to do, especially with Aeliana.
“We saw her find her best possible form in the autumn, which saw her get some good ratings, and Birdman has just been the big improver over the last six months, winning his Group 1 in Brisbane and here in Melbourne.
“Aeliana, she just gradually finds her way through winter, and the spring just brings the hormones and everything together and she is a very healthy horse.”
Waller said the 12 runners in Saturday’s Cox Plate made for an interesting race with different form lines.
He added the first two home from the Caulfield Guineas – Warwoven and Blind Raise – added a different dimension, as does the race being run at Flemington.
“There is plenty of depth,” Waller said.
“The three-year-olds are classy and come into the race with great form, there’s going to be plenty of speed in the race and it’s a weight-for-age race.
“It will be one for the ages.”
Ciaron Maher has four of the 12 runners in Saturday’s race – Light Infantry Man, Land Legend, Middle Earth and Saint George – while the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable will be represented by Sir Delius.
Other acceptors in the race are – Ceolwulf, Attrition, Cosmic Crusader.
