The Victoria Derby win by Preferment was a milestone for trainer Chris Waller who is much more familiar with the Emirates Stakes,
Waller is two-handed in his pursuit of a third victory in four years in Saturday’s Group One 1600m handicap at Flemington.
His leading contender, Bull Point, is Group One placed but a win is more than important for his future stud career.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse to run third to the Waller-trained Zoustar in last year’s Golden Rose, Bull Point was transferred to Sydney’s premier trainer after being sold to a group headed by Coolmore.
The four-year-old finished second to Emirates rival Hooked in the Crystal Mile on the tight Moonee Valley circuit last Saturday week.
“He was slowly away and Moonee Valley didn’t really suit his style but he did run on late which was pleasing,” Waller said.
“It is important to get a Group One with him and he is well in under the handicap conditions of the race.
“I think Flemington will be a better track for him.
“Everything has gone well since his last start so he is ready.”
To be ridden by Derby-winning jockey Damien Oliver, Bull Point has 54kg in the Emirates with Stradbroke Handicap winner River Lad and the pride of Tasmania, The Cleaner, equal 58kg topweights.
I’m Imposing is one of the outsiders with the nine-year-old to have the services of Damian Lane to help his cause.
“He fits in well on the handicap with his rating but barrier 16 is not ideal,” Waller said.
The Waller stable is I’m Imposing’s third home. He was originally trained by Sir Michael Stoute in England and was then prepared by Robert Hickmott for Lloyd Williams who bought him to race in Australia.
He won his first start for Hickmott but after another six races he was sold again.
He has done all his racing for Waller as a gelding and has been a consistent money earner with his best result his Listed Summer Cup win last December.
He goes to the Emirates off a last-start second to another veteran, Monton, in a 1500m race at Rosehill under 58.5kg.
Contributer is the early $4.80 Emirates favourite for Godolphin Australia, ahead of Lucky Hussler ($6), Hucklebuck ($6.50), Hooked ($7) and Bull Point ($7.50) while I’m Imposing is at $31.
Waller won his first Emirates in 2011 with Albert The Fat and took the race last year with Boban.
