He might be the subject of some punters’ sarcasm, but Chris Waller is keeping faith in Tom Melbourne, one of three runners for Sydney’s premier trainer in the Kingston Town Classic in Perth.
The 1800m-event is the final Group One race of the year with Waller on 10 elite wins for 2017, two ahead of Darren Weir who will saddle the favourite, Black Heart Bart.
Waller will have Tom Melbourne, Life Less Ordinary and All Our Roads in the 15-horse Kingston Town Classic field.
Damien Oliver sticks with Tom Melbourne, Michael Walker will ride All Our Roads while Hong Kong’s Douglas Whyte will be aboard Life Less Ordinary.
In seven starts for Waller since leaving the Freedman stable, Tom Melbourne has recorded six minor placings, three at Group One level, and has earned his owners more than $500,000.
While his lack of wins frustrates punters, Waller is proud of tom Melbourne’s accomplishments.
“He’s going well and is a very relaxed horse,” Waller said.
“I think getting up to the 1800 metres will suit him.”
Tom Melbourne’s most recent placing came when third as favourite in the Railway Stakes (1600m) in which Great Shot caused an upset when he beat Black Heart Bart in a photo-finish.
Black Heart Bart is at $3.50 with the TAB ahead of the barrier draw on Tuesday.
Godolphin’s It’s Somewhat is at $4.60, Perfect Jewel $6 and Tom Melbourne $8 and all the other runners in double figures.
Life Less Ordinary ($11) has had a mixed campaign but Waller was pleased with his last-start second to Odeon over 1800m at Flemington on November 7.
Former New Zealander All Our Roads ($21) has yet to win in four starts for Waller but was only 2-1/2 lengths from Great Shot when midfield in the Railway after jumping from barrier 14 of 16.
“If he can get a better draw I’m sure he will go well,” Waller said.
“Life Less Ordinary finished off his last race well and the 1800 metres suits.”
