Chris Waller and James McDonald once again showcased their dominance in Australian racing, combining to secure another victory in the Wyong Cup on Friday.
The dynamic trainer-jockey partnership produced Saltcoats, who gave McDonald his fourth win in the $250,000 Listed feature, while Waller celebrated his ninth triumph in the race. It was the perfect rebound for the gelding, who had impressed in the Premier’s Cup Prelude (2000m) before a flat run in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m).
Sent out as the $1.90 favourite, Saltcoats enjoyed a dream run on the fence and surged late to wear down Salt Lake City ($15), with Glory Daze ($5.50) another head away in third. “He did everything perfectly, he popped away nicely, relaxed like a dream and that enabled him to get the trip,” McDonald said. “That (2100m) is probably as far as he wants but he did a good job today.”
The victory improved Saltcoats’ record to five wins from 18 starts, taking his career earnings to $586,290.
The day’s other highlight was the $250,000 Group 3 Mona Lisa Stakes, which saw Michael Freedman’s Just Feelin’ Lucky ($4.40 fav) prevail under Tommy Berry, defeating outsider Overriding ($41). McDonald finished third aboard Snow In May.
Fans can track Saltcoats and other spring stars across early markets available with leading betting sites.