Chris Waller calls the Melbourne Cup from Via Sistina

Trainer Chris Waller showed a mighty mare Via Sistina will bypass Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200 m) and save for instead Champion Stakes (2000 m) on the final day of the competition Flemington carnival.

In a statement on Wednesday, Waller said the decision was made jointly with owner Yulong Investments.

Talk of Via Sistina being in “the race that stops the nation” took on a life of its own following her record-breaking Group 1 performance. Cox plate (2040m) last Saturday.

Such was her dominance of the performance that Via Sistina was made favorite for the $4.50 Melbourne Cup and many believed her sheer class advantage would be enough to carry her successfully through the grueling two-mile journey.

On Tuesday, champion jockey James McDonald echoed those sentiments, telling News Corp that he believes “Via Sistina can go two miles” and that “she feels every bit as strong over 2000m” as his Melbourne Cup winner 2021 Verry Elligant.

But while the chance of missing out on the Melbourne Cup start – and potential victory – proved difficult, the appeal of Saturday’s $3 million bets on her favorite 2000m event ultimately proved a more tempting proposition for the athlete. various reasons.

James McDonald lets out a roar as Via Sistina races away with Cox’s plate. Photo: Vince Caligiuri

It is understood that overseas travel for lucrative Hong Kong is also on Via Sistina’s agenda. International Cup (2000 m) in Sha Tin in December.

News that Via Sistina will compete in the Champions Stakes at Flemington has seen her price rise from $2.20 at the start of the week to $1.70.

Her departure from the Melbourne Cup markets has become her stable partner Buckaroo Sit on top of $6 bets at Ladbrokes.

The Melbourne Cup market was turned on its head on Tuesday by unrivaled imports. Jan Brueghelsecond race favorite, withdrawn from Racing Victoria (RV) on veterinary advice.