Waller came tantalisingly close to making it a clean sweep of Derby Day’s three group 1 races but, in a sign of the times, was not even at Flemington as star jockey McDonald had another day out.

Waller came tantalisingly close to making it a clean sweep of Derby Day’s three group 1 races but, in a sign of the times, was not even at Flemington as star jockey McDonald had another day out.

An injury is likely to rule 31-year-old father Harry Coffey, who has cystic fibrosis, out of Tuesday’s $10.2 million Melbourne Cup.

An injury is likely to rule 31-year-old father Harry Coffey, who has cystic fibrosis, out of Tuesday’s $10.2 million Melbourne Cup.

Tasmania’s racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll has denied allegations raised against him in parliament.

Tasmania’s racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll has denied allegations raised against him in parliament.

On one of racing’s biggest days, look for value. And if that fails, trust Chris Waller and James McDonald.

On one of racing’s biggest days, look for value. And if that fails, trust Chris Waller and James McDonald.

The Caulfield Cup runner-up ran a slashing race in the Cox Plate to be considered a serious Melbourne Cup chance, but he has failed a mandatory pre-race scan.

The Caulfield Cup runner-up ran a slashing race in the Cox Plate to be considered a serious Melbourne Cup chance, but he has failed a mandatory pre-race scan.

Stable staff have started at 4am for more than a century. Some, including the former Melbourne Racing Club boss, say it is time for change.

Master trainer Chris Waller has his eye on a seventh Coolmore Stud Stakes and a monster pay-off for connections.

The field and all-important barriers have been locked in for the race that stops the nation.

The field and all-important barriers have been locked in for the race that stops the nation.