Waller Cup runner's 'ludicrous price'

Rewind 12 months ago and champion trainer Chris Waller didn’t have a Melbourne Cup runner.

Looking to defend his title after Verry Elleegant’s brilliant win in 2021, it was almost unimaginable that Australia’s dominant stable didn’t have a runner in the race that stops a nation.

Fast forward to now and Waller saddles up four runners in this year’s race – Soulcombe, Magical Lagoon, Sheraz and More Felons.

“We are coming back with a bang,” Duckworth said.

“We have four horses – I know the odds suggest they aren’t all chances. But you can genuinely make a case for all four of them.”

And it’s one of the Cup’s outsiders that assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth believes is a ‘ludicrous’ price – imported stayer Sheraz, who will jump from barrier 22 with Beau Mertens on board.

If you look back through his form … Although he’s 150-1, he only got beaten 1.9 (lengths) in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup,” Duckworth said.

“He’s had four runs over 3000m or further and in those four runs the worst he has finished is second.

“It’s pretty good form. I think 150-1 is ludicrous.”

Duckworth’s thoughts on the rest of Waller’s Melbourne Cup team:

SOULCOMBE - JOAO MOREIRA - 53.5KG - BARRIER 4

“We have taken the blinkers off because we are hoping they will help him begin that little bit better. He is just throwing away races, giving them too much of a head start.

“If he can begin, he’s going to be right in it.

“He was bought 13 months ago with a Melbourne Cup in mind. He has come here and drawn a beautiful barrier. It’s good when a plan works out and now it’s down to the horse.”

MAGICAL LAGOON - MARK DU PLESSIS - 51KG – BARRIER 7

“Obviously, she won the Irish Oaks. She’s got plenty of class. I don’t think the two miles will be an issue at all.

“In the Geelong Cup she was actually really good. We didn’t intend on leading, but she landed there because she was going to get caught wide. She relaxed well in that race.”

SHERAZ - BEAU MERTENS - 51.5KG – BARRIER 22

If you look back through his form. Although he’s 150-1, he only got beaten 1.9l in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. He’s had four runs over 3000m or further and in those four runs the worst he has finished is second. It’s pretty good form. I think 150-1 is ludicrous.

“You always want to draw inside. It is what it is. You can’t cry over spilt milk.

“We have drawn 24. (Owner) Richard Pegum had Brew who won out of 22, so it’s not too far away from that.

“Obviously he’s a genuine, tough stayer. The most pleasing thing about it, is since he arrived in Australia is his turn of foot. He showed good tenacity in the Geelong Cup.

“Jamie Kah came and galloped him here (Flemington) on Thursday and was rapt with the change of speed he had.”