Group 1 winner Buckaroo, who made a big impression last Melbourne Spring Carnival, is set to begin his autumn campaign in Saturday’s G1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.
Trainer Chris Waller is confident Buckaroo has returned in even better form than last year, despite finishing unplaced in the Melbourne Cup as the favourite. Buckaroo is targeting the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in three weeks, following his return to racing on Saturday.
Waller praised the strength of the George Ryder field, saying, “The George Ryder field this year, I think, is exceptional.” He highlighted the mix of speedsters and mile specialists, with stablemate Fangirl as the favourite. Waller acknowledged Buckaroo may not win first-up but is confident the gelding’s credentials are strong for the carnival, adding, “He’s ready to peak through the carnival, hopefully in a Queen Elizabeth in three weeks’ time.”
Buckaroo had an exceptional spring last year, winning Group 1 races, including the Underwood Stakes, and running a strong second in the Turnbull Stakes. Waller said, “He’s come back just as well, if not better. He’s moving better than he was this time last year.”
In Melbourne, Waller’s New Zealand G1 winner Molly Bloom will also be looking to break through in the G2 Sunline Stakes at The Valley.