Former New Zealand Group One winner Asterix has claimed his first Australian triumph since joining Chris Waller’s operation, delivering a strong staying performance in the Listed The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle.

The gelding had taken a clear step forward at his previous start when finishing fifth in the St Leger (2600m), and from an ideal draw he produced a tough, sustained finish to score under Jason Collett.

Collett said the horse had been building nicely into the preparation.

“I thought his run was great the other day in the St Leger,” Collett said.

“It was just a slow-run race. He led the start before that and it didn’t work one bit, so last start we tried to make sure he did things right, which he did, and he found the line great.

“His trial was good leading into this and when I had the gate today, I was able to use it and put him in a close enough spot which gave us our chance.”

Asterix first attracted attention when capturing the 2022 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at just his fourth career run. After a long break and just 23 starts to his name, he remains lightly raced for a seven-year-old.

Collett noted that the gelding’s record suggests he still has mileage left in his legs.

“He’s won a Derby, a New Zealand Derby too. He’s got the credentials there and this will no doubt build confidence,” he said.

At Newcastle, Asterix ($14) proved strongest late, defeating God’s Window ($4.40 fav) by a length, with Future History ($6.50) close behind.

Waller’s representative Zane Jones said the stable always believed the Kiwi import could measure up.

“He was a good horse in New Zealand before coming to Australia. We never lost faith in the horse, it was just a matter of turning up, getting things to go his way and today, it did,” Jones said.

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