Waller mares ‘perfect’ ahead of Turnbull

The star mares will stage their third clash of the season in the $750,000 Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

There was a chance they might be separated for their final start before the Cox Plate, but Waller confirmed Damian Lane had been booked to ride Aeliana in the 2000-metre set-weights-and-penalties Turnbull.

"They both had a gallop on Saturday morning at Flemington and both were perfect," Waller said.

"James (McDonald) is going to ride Via and Damian (Lane) will ride Aeliana. It's quite likely they will run together."

Via Sistina and Aeliana fought out the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, which the former won for the second-straight year, but Aeliana had Via Sistina's measure when second and third respectively behind Mr Brightside in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).

Via Sistina will be chasing back-to-back Turnbull Stakes wins, having bounced back from a poor run in the Makybe Diva Stakes to narrowly defeat stablemate Buckaroo in last year's edition.

Although nominated for the Turnbull Stakes, Buckaroo will most likely be spared a return bout with Via Sistina with his next start set to come in Saturday week's Group 1 The Might And Power (2000m).

Land Legend is a likely Turnbull starter with stablemates Birdman, Moira, River Of Stars and Valiant King also among the entries.

Tony Gollan's Antino, Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius and Caulfield Cup favourite Half Yours are among the other entries for the Turnbull Stakes.

Waller also provided an update on glamour mare Lady Shenandoah, who was unplaced for the first time in her career when fourth in Friday night's Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m).

"She has bounced out of it really well," Waller said.

"We had the vet go over her (on Saturday morning), he was very happy. She ate up (on Friday night), which most horses don't, but she did.

"It was just a messy race and outside barrier around a tight-turning track but she will be ready for three weeks' time."

Lady Shenandoah will most likely step out at the star-studded Randwick trial session on October 7 ahead of running in the $20 million The Everest at Randwick 11 days later.