Why Chris Waller hasn’t let himself dream of a Melbourne Cup win

One man trained a sixth of the entire Melbourne Cup field today.

That man is Chris Waller.

Verry Elleegant, one of four Waller-trained horses racing today, is among the favourites in the field.

But Waller isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“The handicap, as you know, makes it tough for her because she’s carrying 57 kilos. Makybe Diva did it win it with 58, but it’s still very hard for a mare,” he told Ross and Russel.

Another Waller-trained horse, Great House, won the Hotham Stakes on Saturday.

Waller’s says his other two competitors – Ocean Billy and Selino – have ” both won over two miles so that’s what we’re hoping with these two”.

Growing up in New Zealand, the celebrated trainer says the Melbourne Cup was the race he most wanted to win.

But he hasn’t let himself dream.

“I don’t think I’ve allowed myself to dream it as such, because there’s plenty of disappointment if you build yourself up too high.”

Press PLAY below to hear how Chris Waller will be spending Melbourne Cup Day

Image: Mark Evans/Getty Images