Trackwork at Flemington was full of some of the finest horses in the country getting tune-ups ahead of the biggest week of racing of the year.

Chris Waller fronted the media to discuss some of his key chances.

St Gotthard

Waller is hoping St Gotthard can follow in the footsteps of his illustrious brother Switzerland, with the talented colt set to contest Saturday’s Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.

Waller confirmed James McDonald will take the ride on St Gotthard, who has impressed his connections ahead of the Group 1 assignment.

“He’s a very talented colt, James McDonald will take the ride on him Saturday in the Coolmore,” Waller said.

“He is the younger brother of Switzerland and they’re quite similar, they both enjoy their work and have great natures.

“St Gotthard handled Flemington really well, big open track and the facilities are world class so that helps.

“It would mean a lot to win this race again seeing from a stallion point of view, a win in the Coolmore could be worth up to $30 million dollars.”

Sequinned

Waller is yet to finalise plans for Sequinned, with discussions still required with McDonald before a decision is made on her next assignment.

“I still need to talk to James McDonald regarding where we are going to go with her,” Waller said.

“If she doesn’t go to the Coolmore, there is a race for Oaks Day that would suit her.

“That’s the beauty with the Cup Carnival, there are plenty of options for horses.”

__Stormy Marco __

Stormy Marco is also being considered for a quick turnaround, with Waller confirming a decision has been made to back the colt up in Saturday’s Victoria Derby.

The 2500-metre assignment presents a significant test, and Waller will monitor the horse closely before giving him the final green light.

“The Decision was made that we would back him up in the Derby this Saturday,” he said.

“They have to be very fit to run the 2500m in the Derby, so as long as we are happy with him on Wednesday he will run.”

Lady Shenandoah

Waller also discussed Lady Shenandoah’s chances following the scratching of Pride Of Jenni, acknowledging the disappointment of losing one of the carnival’s most popular attractions.

“Look, Pride Of Jenni being scratched is a shame because the crowd love her and she is exciting,” Waller said.

“However, Lady Shenandoah’s chances are probably accelerated to be honest with Pride Of Jenni being scratched.”

The stable has opted to target the mile rather than sprint distances, with Waller explaining the decision was designed to help the mare avoid the traffic issues she has encountered in shorter races.

“We opted for the mile and to move away from the sprint races due to her finding trouble in those races and with the extended distance it removes some of those problems,” he said.

With several major races still to be decided across the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Waller’s stable has plenty to look forward to, with St Gotthard, Stormy Marco and Lady Shenandoah all shaping as key runners in the coming days.