Chris Waller is no stranger to winning big mile races in Australia.
The Kennedy Mile, the 1600m Group One handicap at Flemington, is one Waller has won on two occasions.
Albert The Fat gave Waller his first Group One win at the Flemington Melbourne Cup carnival in 2011, when the race was known as the Emirates Stakes while Boban took the honours in 2013.
Saturday’s Kennedy Mile has attracted 14 runners with Waller saddling up six.
Waller gives a rundown on their chances.
McCreery (Brenton Avdulla – $26)
In Sydney we’ve had a very dry spring and it’s been very firm and his last-start run was much better. That was at weight-for-age and he drops to 53.5kg. He was unlucky when second last year and on his day he’s a very talented horse, so hopefully he can go one better.
Tom Melbourne (Glen Boss – $6 equal favourite)
He came up a little bit short in the Epsom but he’s been a victim of bad draws, including the Toorak last start. Finally he’s drawn well to get a much more economical run.
Egg Tart (Kerrin McEvoy – $7.50)
She was a little disappointing at Caulfield. She had the run of the race, a gap opened on the fence, but she didn’t quicken. I’m hoping getting her to Flemington, where she’s won before, will see her run a different race.
Omei Sword (Tommy Berry – $26)
She’s not the same horse as she was. She’s had a few chances and has let us down. We could make excuses for most of those runs but she needs to improve.
Shillelagh (Michael Dee – $12)
She broke the track bias for the day finishing off from well back last start. She’s got fresh legs, peaking, has a nice light weight and the long straight will suit.
All Our Roads (Jeff Lloyd – $11)
He probably lacks the class of genuine Group One Australian horses but he’s a Group Two winner in New Zealand which has to be respected, especially over a mile plus. He drew wide at Caulfield but his jockey got off and said he’s going well.
