Upbeat Chris Waller sees Emirates as Sacred’s ground after making ground late in Crystal Mile

CHRIS Waller was trying to look on the bright side after his Epsom winner Sacred Falls fared poorly in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley yesterday.

CHRIS Waller was trying to look on the bright side after his Epsom winner Sacred Falls fared worst in a three-way battle to decide the Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley yesterday.

The race was a little bit of revenge for trainer Guy Walter as Toydini nailed Speediness right on the line.

Toydini and stablemate Streama filled the minor placings behind the Waller-trained Boban in the Epsom.

Waller felt Sacred Falls probably should have won yesterday after being jammed up on the fence when the winner and runner-up had built up full momentum.

“On the bright side, it has probably saved him a kilo in the Emirates,” he said.

“Even though he had no luck, it was a pleasing run.

“He hadn’t attacked the line all preparation and he did that today.

“He should be cherry ripe for the Emirates.”

Walter was also in a bullish mood about the Emirates and said he was looking forward to the rematch with Boban in a fortnight.

“He’s been able to win at weight-for-age today and sustain a long run so he couldn’t be going any better and I think he’ll be better again on a bigger track,” Walter said.

“He wanted to win and he’s building up a very good record now that he’s won a Phar Lap (Stakes), a Carbine Club (Stakes), a Cameron (Handicap) and now today so hopefully he can take this form into the Emirates.

Toydini (centre) lifts to reel in Speediness (rails) as Sacred Falls closes fast. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“He has maintained his form and I think, because he is relatively inexperienced, there is further improvement in him.

“We deliberately only planned three races in Sydney so we’d have something left for Melbourne and it’s great to be here on Cox Plate day.”

Toydini does face a historical challenge in the Emirates, with Dazzling Duke (1985) the only horse ever to complete the double.

Blake Shinn reiterated his belief Toydini had the ability to win a Group 1.

“He had to make a long run,” Shinn said. “I got into a good position, but nothing was taking me into the race and we lost a bit of momentum on the turn just because we were so wide, but he balanced up and he’s got a great will to win.

“He toughed it out, it was a terrific effort.”