Chris Waller says he’ll wait until Saturday’s acceptance deadline before deciding if Cox Plate runner-up Buckaroo will line up in the $10 million Melbourne Cup on November 4.
“Deadline is Saturday and we’ll use all that time,” Waller said during Tuesday’s Flemington gallops. “Like we did with Verry Elleegant, we waited right up to the deadline … and use that time to make sure we’re happy with him running in the race.”
Waller said the decision ultimately rests with Buckaroo’s owners. “You can take an easy way out. You don’t run in the Melbourne Cup and you can run on the last day and race well. (But) the Melbourne Cup is everyone’s dream,” he said.
“Buckaroo is well,” Waller confirmed. “He’s come through his Cox Plate run in good shape … and passed his scans.”
He rated the horse’s Cup prospects as “50-50 at the moment,” saying they’ll take an “analytical approach” before committing.
