Waller pair among 12 confirmed Cox Plate runners
Flemington will host the race while Moonee Valley undergoes a rebuild, with Ciaron Maher supplying four runners.
Chris Waller’s Aeliana and Birdman have completed their final preparations and accepted for the 2,040m Cox Plate at Flemington, joining a field of 12 for the weight-for-age race.
The pair galloped individually on the outside of the course proper, with James McDonald aboard Aeliana and Ben Melham riding Birdman. Waller said both riders were happy with the work and the horses had recovered well.
Waller said Birdman had tired with 100 metres remaining at his previous start. He also pointed to the horse’s improvement over six months, including Group 1 wins in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Caulfield Guineas winner Warwoven and runner-up Blind Raise are also among the acceptors. The barrier allocation was due to take place on Tuesday night.
Light Infantry Man, Land Legend, Middle Earth and Saint George make up Ciaron Maher’s contingent. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable has Sir Delius, while Ceolwulf, Attrition and Cosmic Crusader round out the runners.
