Waller struggling to split his 5 Doomben Cup runners

Premiership winning trainer Chris Waller is struggling to split his five runners in the Group 1 $650,000 The Bundaberg Rum Doomben Cup (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Moriarty is one of five runners Chris Waller has in the Doomben Cup at Doomben. Photo by Steve Hart.

Moriarty is one of five runners Chris Waller has in the Doomben Cup at Doomben. Photo by Steve Hart.

Waller will saddle up Group 1 winners Foreteller, Moriarty and Hawkspur as well as I’m Imposing and Weary.

The champion trainer says that Group 1 Kingston Town Classic winner Moriarty is ready to peak as is consistent Group 1 performer Foreteller and last start Group 2 Hollindale Stakes third placegetter I’m Imposing and hasn’t lost faith in Hawkspur and Weary.

“I can’t split the three of them and the other two aren’t without a chance either,” Waller told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Waller is prepared to forgive Moriarty for his unplaced effort in the Group 2 $358,000 Sky Thoroughbred Central A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast on April 25 when he was caught wide for the majority of the race.

“He was off the track in the Hollindale Stakes and you just can’t do that at the Gold Coast,” Waller said.

“You seem to spend all your time making up ground and then when you straighten the leaders have kicked and you are still trying to make up ground.

“I wouldn’t worry about that and after he won the Group 1 in Perth (Kingston Town Classic last December) he was set specifically for this race and that’s always a big plus when you concentrate on a certain race.”

“Foreteller has been set for this race as well as has I’m Imposing and the way he is racing you wouldn’t think he is a nine-year-old.

I’m Imposing finished third behind Doomben Cup fancy Leebaz in the Hollindale Stakes with Foreteller one length away in fourth spot while Moriarty was another two lengths back in tenth position.

Hawkspur was always near the tail of the field and only beat one runner home in the fourteen horse Hollindale Stakes field while Weary made up a little bit of ground when eighth to Dissident in the Group 1 $400,000 Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 18.

Of Waller’s five Doomben Cup runners I’m Imposing is the highest placed in the market order at Ladbrokes.com.au at $8 ahead of Foreteller at $10, Moriarty and Hawkspur at $16 and Weary at $21.

The Gai Waterhouse trained Pornichet at $4.20 and Team Hawkes’ Leebaz at $5 are fighting it out for favouritism ahead of Silent Achiever at $8.50 and Gypsy Diamond at $9.

Waller, who already trained eleven Group one winners this season, has won the Doomben Cup on two previous occasions with Metal Bender in 2010 and with Beaten Up in 2013.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.