Star trainer Chris Waller is targeting his seventh victory in the Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan, with a formidable 21 horses nominated for the staying classic at Randwick on October 4.

All-in 2025 The Metropolitan favourite Birdman is one of 21 in the mix for trainer Chris Waller. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The stable’s European import, Birdman, is currently the outright favourite in a field of 79 entries, highlighting Waller’s dominance in the staying ranks.

Waller, who won this race last year with Land Legend, is confident in his chances of going back-to-back.

His top contender is Birdman ($8), who is yet to win in Australia but is showing immense promise. He resumed with a solid fifth in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes and is expected to thrive as the distances lengthen.

Land Legend is also nominated to defend his title and is currently at an attractive price of $11 through Ladbrokes, while the progressive and in-form Soul Of Spain ($13) has also been nominated after his third consecutive win in Australian saluting as the odds-in pick in Brisbane last Saturday.

Following Birdman in the current all-in 2025 The Metropolitan betting markets is the emerging stayer Half Yours ($9) for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy. Despite being untested in Group company, the recent Caloundra Cup winner is being heavily backed and is expected to be a major contender.

Gai Waterhouse holds the record for the most wins in The Metropolitan with nine, and she is aiming for a record-extending tenth victory this year in partnership with Adrian Bott.

Their top contender is the highly anticipated import Vauban ($11), who made an eye-catching spring return with a third-place finish in the Chelmsford Stakes.

The team has also nominated the classy mare Alalcance ($13) and Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes runner-up Sir Delius ($15) who both also hold nominations for the $10 million Melbourne Cup race on November 4.

Other notable contenders include Bjorn Baker‘s Sydney Cup winner Arapaho ($15) and the Ciaron Maher-trained Wyong Prelude winner Royal Supremacy ($15), both of whom have shown strong form in lead-up races.

Historically, The Metropolitan is a race for seasoned stayers aged five and older, and it often favors those coming off strong performances in races like the Kingston Town Stakes or Newcastle Gold Cup.

2025 The Metropolitan Nominations

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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