Waller’s earlier JRA Plate conquerors had set expectations higher, making Asterix’s achievement a touch surprising for the veteran eight-year-old gelding at $16.
The New Zealand Derby hero from four years ago, Asterix had wandered off course before reviving his prowess last summer through a Beauford victory and second in the Christmas Cup.
Waller approached Asterix’s debut run back in the JRA Plate without firm predictions, but rejoiced in the long-distance galloper’s late charge to the front, courtesy of Jason Collett’s expert timing.
“It’s taken a while for him to find his legs in Australia, but he’s certainly racing honestly now. That was a good win,.” Waller said.
“That’s exactly what we wanted to see and I think there’s a Gosford Cup in about three weeks to consider.
“We’ll have a look at that first, it’s good prizemoney here in Sydney and then probably up to Queensland.”
Ridden by Collett, the $16 shot Asterix sliced through rivals to collar You Wahng ($9) by a long head, seeing off Travolta ($3.80 favourite) who was half a length back in third.
“played out really well” summed up the contest for Asterix, per Collett.
“His trials were really good coming into it, he had some freshness in his legs but starting off over 2000m may have been a question mark,” Collett said.”Chris said ‘be kind to him’ and we got a very kind run. Off a moderate tempo, we only had to get out late and sprint and he did that.
“I was pretty happy with that win, I think he’ll be in for a pretty good winter campaign.”
Her performance in second, after winning the Queensland Oaks last term, hints You Wahng is primed for more successes.
“She’s run very well so we will look at Brisbane again with her,” trainer Kris Lees.
“It was encouraging to see her run so well and if we get some rain-affected tracks, then that won’t worry her, either.”
Waller flagged the Gosford Gold Cup on May 9 as a probable next step for Travolta post his tough-luck third with a swift finish.
“It wasn’t a pretty sight, was it? Just didn’t have any luck at the top of the straight,” Waller said.”By the time he got out, it was sort of too late, but I think it showed he’s much more effective over these shorter distances, so he’d probably go there too.”
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