3 minute read

Chris Waller has won four of the last 10 Christmas Cups and it could easily be six having finished second the last two years running.

Waller last won it with Vassal in 2017 and looks well placed to land the prize on Saturday with progressive stayer Accountability.

Racing in the same colours as Vassal, Accountability has won three of his last five starts and has clearly gone to another level in his second preparation in Australia.

Now rated 99 by Timeform, he faces his stiffest test on Saturday, but looks well treated down in the weights.

While unable to reel in the Clare Cunningham trained Significance last weekend, his performance held plenty of merit and he gives the impression he will relish the step up in trip on Saturday.

The much in-form Tommy Berry takes over (26% S/R L50 & 21% S/R L350) and he looks to get a lovely run from the soft draw.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he looks to have a fair edge on his rivals and remains open to further improvement.

Always a slight query as to whether he will run out the 2400m, but there doesn't look to be a great deal of pressure in the race, which suit him as he possesses the best turn of foot.

Have him marked even money and I really struggle to find any negatives with him.

May require a bit of luck getting off the fence, but with clear air on straightening, he should prove very hard to beat.

Sticking with the Waller/Berry combination in the ninth event, siding with New Arrangement.

While yet to win in Australia (10 starts), he has run a number of good races and looks to be building nicely this time in.

Kicking off in Brisbane, he closed off well behind Desert Lord over 1350m, before solid late behind Two Big Fari last start.

He should be nearing his top third up and is sure to appreciate the step up to the mile.

Drawn the inside, he should get a lovely soft run and be in a good position on straightening.

Similar to Accountability, he will likely need some luck getting off the fence, but if he does, he should go very close.

Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips:

Race 4 #8 Accountability @ $2.60

Race 7 #8 Inanup @ $8.50

Race 9 #16 New Arrangement @ $4.60