Master trainer Chris Waller trifectas Turnbull, notching his fifth win in six years

“Where do we start? I think it is the combination of so many things,” she said.

“I think the main thing you’ll find is patience is a big thing. He backs himself. I think he has his ideas and he sticks with it, although many people question it many a time.

“At the same time he certainly gives his team the freedom to do what we need to do to get the best out of the horses, and add to that and really complement his training. But, at the end of the day, nothing beats hard work and I think you’ll find that few people work harder than what Chris Waller does on a daily basis.”

Verry Elleegant now heads towards the Caulfield Cup, a double which hasn’t been completed since Elvstroem won in 2004, and her form this calendar year has been insatiable. Any knockers on her ability on firm ground were silenced as she rounded up her stablemates with a superior finish.

Saturday’s victory was her fifth at the elite level. In her past seven starts, all at group 1 level, she’s won three and finished runner-up in another three.

Mark Zahra will retain the ride in the Caulfield Cup and has pressed a firm case to retain the opportunity in the Melbourne Cup.

Toffee Tongue and Finche also look en route for the 2400-metre classic, while Dalasan and Master Of Wine finished within a length of the winner.

“It was a good run,” Michael Rodd said of Master Of Wine, who is on the fringe of getting into the Caulfield Cup field.

“We got held up when we needed to be rolling into it, but otherwise it was pretty good.”

Surprise Baby was the other one in the market, but finished ninth beaten 2.4 lengths at his second-up attempt.

“I was happy,” Surprise Baby’s jockey Craig Williams said. “Jumping from barrier one, he got away well after I had to settle him a bit in the barriers. I followed Master Of Wine and didn’t get a lot of room. He went well enough and he’ll take a lot out of that. He’ll be looking better next time, too.”

Vow And Declare (12th) and King Of Leogrance (13th) were outsprinted over 2000 metres but trainer Danny O’Brien said both would be better over further, while jockey Billy Egan said Derby winner Warning (6th) was tracking well towards the cups.

Damien Ractliffe is the Chief Racing Reporter for The Age.