Buckaroo produced a powerhouse performance at Caulfield third-up and fit relishing the step-up in distance to dominate the 2024 Underwood Stakes results for trainer Chris Waller.

The Sydney-trained Fastnet Rock six-year-old came off two good lead-up runs at home when eighth at big odds fresh in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) before his surprise win in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) last time out.

Waller showed why he is such a master horseman opting to take the gelding south for the Group 1 $750,000 Underwood Stakes (1800m) where Buckaroo absolutely bolted home for a 3.5 length victory over 60/1 outside Huetor with Pericles third.

“Yeah, obviously we’re completely blown away, to be honest”, stable representative Charlie Duckworth told the media after the victory.

Buckaroo, ridden by the ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira who added to his impressive Group 1 record down under, was the widest on the turn for home with the front-running Duke De Sessa still in the lead looking to go all-the-way.

“It feels amazing, you know. That’s what horse racing is about. When you get one up, the feeling doesn’t get any better,” Brazilian hoop Moreira said post-victory.

“He’s begging for more ground, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins another one.”

The eventual Underwood winner began to really wind up with 300m to go, showing plenty of fight when Pericles hit the front a furlong out.

Buckaroo eventually drew clear and stormed away to show off his staying credentials.

“We obviously wanted to be a bit more positive than what we were out of the gates, but he was a fraction slow away, so Joao just had to do what Joao does best and take it into his own hands,” Duckworth said.

“He had to circle and get going early, but gee was strong late, and he was obviously far too good today.

“(Owner) Ozzie Kheir, he’s a massive supporter of the game and a massive supporter of Chris (Waller), so it’s pretty special to win a Group 1 for him.

“I think he might have had a couple of refreshments last night which doesn’t see him here today, but no doubt he’ll be having a couple more now!”

The victory saw the former European post his second Australian win on the trot and put his hand up for bigger staying races over the coming months.

There are options galore now for Buckaroo who is in the mix for the Group 1 $5 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m), Group 1 $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) and even the iconic Group 1 $8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday November 5.

“I was actually talking to Ozzie yesterday, I said is he is he a 2400 metre horse or is he a 3200 metre horse or is he a Cox Plate horse because obviously Joao’s here for the Melbourne Cup and can only ride sort of 54 or 53 (kilos) at a push,” Duckworth said.

“So, trying to work out where he where he will ride on those big days, but he might have answered his own question.

“Time will tell I suppose. See how he comes through it and Chris can make the big calls but I’m more than happy to be a small part of the team.”

Buckaroo is listed at $21 for the Cox Plate on October 26 through race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au.

He is shorter into $15 now for the 2024 Caulfield Cup on October 19 with full markets available by clicking here.

Should the team opt to target the world’s richest handicap, punters can get Buckaroo at $51 to win the Melbourne Cup in 2024.

Click here for the latest Melbourne Cup odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au.

2024 Underwood Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia. 

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