It might have been an inevitability for the all-conquering Chris Waller, but the master trainer became just the third person in Australian history to notch up 200 Group 1 wins when Birdman swooped to claim Brisbane’s Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m).

Touted as a race between Pride Of Jenni ($3.60) and the rest, that powerhouse mare raced to a typically large mid-race lead of 15 lengths by the time the field reached halfway.

But gradually the pack closed, and James McDonald hooked Birdman ($3.50f) to the outside approaching the turn and swiftly moved into second place.

With 120m to go, Birdman claimed the front and forged away from Pride Of Jenni, who fought gamely to hold second place but more than two and a half lengths astern.

Waller joined legendary trainers Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings in the 200 club, who are tied on for most triumphs with 246.

“With Tommy Smith, I was embarrassed to be around him; I used to be in awe of him,” Waller said.

“And Bart, I had a good relationship with him, and he was an amazing man.

“I think what I’ve done is show that anything is possible. I’ve got a good team and respect that team.

“Anything is possible when you’ve got confidence and good horses.”

Forgoing his personal achievement, Waller broke down when speaking about one of the part-owners of the Free Eagle five-year-old, who had recently died.

“I lost a good friend, Mark Timms, six weeks ago. He was in the horse, and his wife Les is here today,” he said.

“He was a beautiful man, so it was a pretty touching win. I wish Timmsy, was here, simple as that.”

Birdman had finished second in the conventional lead-up race, the Hollindale Stakes (1800m), when chasing home Pride Of Jenni two weeks earlier.

Knowing she was the one to beat, Waller set about creating a plan that might undo the fearless front-runner.

“He was peaking today. Obviously, we want to win the race and take it the right way, but I said, ‘ride him to run second. If Pride Of Jenni fails, we’ll win the race, but don’t take her on at the 800m because we won’t win,’” he said.

“Pride Of Jenni, we were all worried about her. She was the talking point and that’s what sells racing. Well done to Tony (Ottobre, owner), Ciaron (Maher, trainer) and his team.

“It’s a shame she wasn’t right there. I don’t beat her very often. She’s beaten Via Sistina, she’s beaten Fangirl, she’s beaten a lot of our better horses, and she’s been my nightmare.”

McDonald, who recently became the winningest Group 1 jockey in Australian racing history when riding Waller’s Panova in the Australasian Oaks, lavished praise on the supreme conditioner.

“He’s just an absolute master and it’s a privilege to be part of his team,” McDonald said.

“How he preps his horses is just incredible. He deserves all the records he breaks and the accolades he gets because he’s a one of a generation trainer and we’re lucky to be in his bubble.”

McDonald predicted an bigger future for the bay, saying he will be a force later this year in even more recognised races.

“Today, over that distance, he switched off and showed an incredible turn of foot,” he said.

“He’s a very good horse and you’ll see him win plenty more Group 1s down the east coast.”