Chris Waller is planning to be at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day, but he will be eagerly watching the inaugural staging of the $2 million Big Dance at Randwick.
While Sydney’s Cup day program has long attracted strong crowd numbers, it has lacked a focal point on the racetrack and the addition of the Big Dance (1600m), and the $500,0000 consolation the Little Dance (1600m), should go a long way towards righting that anomaly.
Waller will saddle up at least two runners in the feature, Aleas and Wicklow, while Quality Time is unlikely to back up from his unplaced run in the Rosehill Gold Cup on Saturday.
While there has been criticism that metropolitan trainers have stacked the bases – 12 of the 20 runners are from city stables – Waller say there are also eight provincial and country trainers with an incredible opportunity – not to mention owners and jockeys.
“Everyone in racing is lucky, but I’m luckier than most because I get up and train beautiful horses every day of my life,” Waller said.
“Second tier trainers are only second tier because of their stock, so it’s good to see so many country trainers getting an opportunity.
“Yes, the city trainers do invade them, I get that.
“But it’s good to see more people getting an opportunity and it’s $2 million more of an opportunity than they were getting last year. It really is a big deal.”
Irish-born apprentice Ellen Hennessy is among those thrilled to be participating in the Big Dance, the 24-year-old having never ridden in a race worth $2 million.
Apprenticed to top Sydney trainer Annabel Neasham, Hennessy will partner Al Mah Haha for the Goulburn-based Tash Burleigh, the horse heading to the race first-up but with the benefit of three recent barrier trials.
“It’s super exciting. I’m very lucky to get the opportunity,” Hennessy said.
“I’m lucky my weight is good, I ride 52 pretty easily and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m sure Tash has him ready.”
Al Mah Haha is one of the outsiders for the Big Dance, with the Kris Lees-trained Hosier an early $4.80 favourite.
Hosier will be ridden by internationally acclaimed hoop Frankie Dettori, who is chasing his first Sydney winner after making his local riding debut at Rosehill on Saturday.
