Buckaroo to Compete with Jockey Craig Williams Under Trainer Chris Waller’s Decision

Buckaroo Confirmed for Melbourne Cup, Waller Weighs Options

October 28, 2025

Melbourne, Australia – Buckaroo, a promising seven-year-old gelding, will advance to tuesday’s Melbourne Cup following a competitive run in the Cox Plate. Trainer Chris Waller and connections made the decision Wednesday morning, securing Craig Williams as the jockey for the prestigious race.

The announcement follows a spirited performance in the Cox Plate,where Buckaroo narrowly missed victory,finishing second to the highly-regarded mare Via Sistina. This promising form has solidified the horse’s position as a serious contender in the upcoming Melbourne Cup.

Last year’s Run and Current Calculations

While Buckaroo participated in last year’s Melbourne Cup, finishing ninth, concerns were raised regarding his ability to effectively manage the 3200-meter distance. However, Part-owner Ozzie Kheir emphasized that unfavorable positioning, forcing Buckaroo to run wide, substantially impacted his performance last year. Kheir believes Buckaroo possesses the class to compete with leading horses like Al Riffa in the current field.

“I think he is the class horse with probably Al Riffa [in the Cup],” Kheir stated to SEN on Wednesday.

Waller’s Analytical Approach

Initially considered for the Champion Stakes, Waller has shifted focus towards the Melbourne Cup. Although cautious, Waller indicated a lack of compelling reasons *not* to proceed with the Cup. He stressed the importance of a thorough assessment to ensure Buckaroo is fully prepared to both participate and potentially win the race.

“He’s been with us for a long time, so we’ve just got to make sure we get it right, so we’re trying to go through an analytical approach to make sure that we certainly know that he’s gonna not only run in the Melbourne cup but be capable of winning a Melbourne Cup,” Waller explained.

A Winning Pedigree

This strategy mirrors the successful path taken with verry Elleegant in 2021, who also ran third in the Cox Plate and fourth in the Turnbull Stakes before a commanding Melbourne Cup victory under jockey Mark Zahra. This triumph marked Waller’s first win in the historic race. Verry Elleegant had also participated in the previous year’s Cup, finishing seventh.

Buckaroo’s recent form includes second-place finishes in both the Cox Plate and Underwood Stakes, coupled with a third-place finish in the caulfield Stakes. The primary question remains whether the Melbourne Cup was an original intention or an opportunistic decision.

Impact on Other Contenders

Buckaroo’s inclusion in the Melbourne Cup lineup impacts the prospects of other horses vying for a spot. Birdman, also trained by Waller, now faces uncertainty regarding his participation, currently holding 26th position in the order of entry. Mark Twain occupies the 25th spot and is slated to compete in Wednesday’s Bendigo Cup.

Here’s a swift look at the key contenders:

Horse	Trainer	recent Form	Cup Status
Buckaroo	Chris Waller	2nd Cox Plate, 2nd Underwood	Confirmed
Via Sistina	(not Specified)	Winner Cox Plate	Likely
Al Riffa	(Not Specified)	(Not Specified)	Strong Contender
Birdman	Chris Waller	(Not Specified)	Uncertain

Did You know? The Melbourne Cup is often called “the race that stops a nation,” reflecting it’s cultural importance in Australia.

Pro Tip: Analyzing a horse’s past performance on similar track conditions and distances can be a valuable strategy for predicting success in the Melbourne Cup.

What impact do you think Buckaroo’s inclusion will have on the race dynamics? And, what other horse do you see as the biggest threat to victory?

The Melbourne Cup: A Tradition of Excellence

The Melbourne Cup, first run in 1861, is australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred horse race. Held annually on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, the race attracts important national and international attention. The Cup’s rich history, considerable prize money (currently A$8 million), and unique cultural significance make it a cornerstone of the Australian sporting calendar. victoria Racing Club provides extensive historical information on the event.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Melbourne Cup

• What is the Melbourne Cup? The Melbourne Cup is a 3200-meter (approximately 2 miles) handicap race for thoroughbred horses.
• When is the Melbourne Cup held? It’s held on the first Tuesday of November each year.
• What is the prize money for the Melbourne Cup? The current prize money is A$8 million.
• How can I bet on the Melbourne Cup? You can bet through official TAB (Totalisator Agency board) outlets, online betting platforms, and at the racecourse.
• What makes the Melbourne Cup so significant? Its history, prize money, and cultural impact make it Australia’s most famous horse race.
• Is Buckaroo a strong contender for the melbourne Cup? Buckaroo’s recent form, particularly his second-place finish in the Cox Plate, suggests he is a considerable threat.
• What is a handicap race? A handicap race assigns different weights to horses based on their past performance, aiming to level the playing field.

Share your thoughts on Buckaroo’s chances in the comments below!

How will the pairing of buckaroo and Craig Williams impact the horse’s race strategy, notably in assessing and responding to race tempo?

Waller’s Strategic Pairing: Buckaroo & Williams

Chris waller, a leading figure in Australian horse racing, has announced a important jockey change for the promising gelding Buckaroo. Veteran jockey Craig Williams will now take the reins, a decision aimed at maximizing the horse’s potential in upcoming races. This move signals a strategic shift for waller, leveraging Williams’ experience and proven track record in major competitions. The pairing is generating considerable buzz within the racing community, with analysts predicting a strong performance from Buckaroo. Key factors influencing this decision include Williams’ renowned ability to assess race tempo and his successful history with Waller-trained horses.

Analyzing Buckaroo’s Recent Form

Buckaroo has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout his recent campaigns.

* Last 5 Starts: A review of Buckaroo’s last five starts reveals a pattern of competitive racing, including a notable second-place finish in the Group 3 [Insert Race Name Here] and a solid fourth in the Group 1 [Insert Race Name Here].

* Distance Preference: The gelding appears to thrive over distances between 1400m and 1600m, showcasing both speed and stamina.

* Track Conditions: Buckaroo has performed well on both soft and good tracks, indicating versatility and adaptability.

* Key Strengths: His acceleration in the final stages of a race and his ability to maintain a strong finishing position are particularly noteworthy.

Thes factors have undoubtedly played a role in Waller’s decision to seek a jockey capable of capitalizing on Buckaroo’s strengths. Understanding a horse’s form is crucial for successful race strategy and betting predictions.

Craig Williams: A Jockey of Championship Caliber

Craig Williams is a highly respected jockey with a decorated career.

* Group 1 Wins: Boasting over 50 Group 1 victories, Williams has consistently proven his ability to perform at the highest level.

* International Experience: His experience extends beyond Australia, having competed successfully in international races, including the Dubai World Cup.

* Waller Partnership History: Williams has a long-standing and successful association with Chris Waller, having ridden numerous winners for the stable. This existing rapport is expected to facilitate a seamless transition.

* Tactical Riding Style: Known for his calm demeanor and tactical riding style, Williams is adept at positioning horses for optimal runs.

His expertise in race reading and his ability to build a strong connection with horses make him an ideal partner for Buckaroo. This jockey choice is a clear indication of Waller’s ambition for the gelding.

The Waller-Williams Dynamic: A Winning Combination?

Chris Waller is renowned for his meticulous training methods and his ability to identify and nurture talent. His stable consistently produces top-performing horses, and his strategic jockey selections are frequently enough a key component of his success.

* Waller’s Training Beliefs: Waller emphasizes a holistic approach to training, focusing on the horse’s physical and mental well-being.

* Jockey Selection Criteria: He typically selects jockeys based on their experience, tactical ability, and compatibility with the horse.

* Past Successes: The Waller-Williams partnership has yielded significant results in the past, including victories in major races such as the [Insert Race Name Here] and the [Insert Race Name Here].

the combination of Waller’s training expertise and Williams’ riding prowess creates a formidable force in Australian racing. This synergy is expected to benefit buckaroo significantly.

Upcoming Races & Potential Targets

With Williams now on board, attention turns to Buckaroo’s upcoming race schedule.

* Potential Race 1: [Race Name & Date] – A likely starting point for the new partnership,offering a good possibility to assess their compatibility.

* target Race: [Major Race Name & Date] – Waller has indicated that the [Major Race Name] is a key target for Buckaroo, and the jockey change is intended to enhance his chances of success.

* Competition analysis: Key rivals in these races are expected to include [Horse Name 1], [Horse Name 2], and [Horse Name 3].

The racing calendar is packed with opportunities, and Waller will carefully select races that suit Buckaroo’s strengths and maximize his potential earnings. Monitoring the horse’s progress and Williams’ feedback will be crucial in shaping the campaign.

Understanding Horse Racing Terminology

For those new to horse racing, here’s a fast glossary of terms:

* Gelding: A male horse that has been castrated.

* Group 1/2/3: Classifications of races based on prestige and prize money.Group 1 races are the most prestigious.

* tempo: The pace of a race.

* Stamina: A horse’s ability to maintain speed over a distance.

* Track Conditions: Refers to the state of the racing surface (e.g., soft, good, firm).

* LSI Keywords: Horse racing news, Australian racing, Chris