Chris Waller thought long and hard before deciding which race to target with Rangirangdoo at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

A dual Group One winner and established weight-for-age performer, Rangirangdoo could have easily - and deservedly - lined up in the Cox Plate.

"I thought very seriously about it," Waller said.

Sydney's premier trainer delayed a final decision on a Cox Plate start until after Rangirangdoo galloped with stablemate and Cox Plate hopeful Shoot Out on Tuesday morning.

Shortly after, he ruled out the Cox Plate in favour of Saturday's Group Two Crystal Mile (1600m) run 45 minutes earlier.

In a year when a trio of exciting three-year-olds will tackle Moonee Valley's flagship race, Waller decided his eight-year-old might be better placed in the Group Two assignment.

"It was his age," Waller said of the reason behind his decision not to tackle the Cox Plate.

"And he's not as sharp as he was at his best.

"This is a nice race for him."

Rangirangdoo won the Crystal Mile three years ago when it was a handicap but this year will mark its first running as a weight-for-age event.

Only seven horses will line up under the changed conditions, including last start Toorak Handicap winner Solzhenitsyn and New Zealand mare Silent Achiever.

Hugh Bowman will be aboard Rangirangdoo who, despite Bowman's close association with Waller, he has only ridden once before.

That was in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes last autumn when the pair finished fourth to More Joyous.

Rangirangdoo was equal favourite for the Crystal Mile with TAB fixed odds on Thursday at $3.60, along with Epsom Handicap runner-up Ambidexter.

Solzhenitsyn was $4 with Silent Achiever also in commission at $4.20.