“We were sceptical about[Dundeel] as a stallion and haven’t had too many of them,but Militarize has changed our thoughts,” Waller said.
“He is just so professional and so easy to do anything with,which it makes them easy to train as two-year-olds and win these types of races.
“Attitude is everything in my system;if they don’t have that we are prepared to give them time.”
Militarize showed his maturity in the Sires when Joao Moreira was able to get him to travel strongly into the race before letting down to win by 3½ lengths from Don Corleone.
“He was dominant in the Sires and you saw that attitude he has in the run,” Waller said. “When Joao asked him to come back to him,he did and he just travelled. That allowed him to show his ability at the end.
“I think the mile should suit him and he handles the conditions. He has to get the trip but from what he has shown us he should get it.”
The Champagne Stakes is one of three Sydney group 1 races Waller is yet to win,but bookmakers think that will change on Saturday with Militarize,which is a $2.15 top pick. Don Corleone and Fernhill Handicap winner Tom Kitten are considered the dangers at $4 and $11 respectively.