Asterix’s success diverged from Waller’s typical victors by being rather unforeseen, as the ascending eight-year-old gelding jumped at $16.
Four years on from his New Zealand Derby conquest, Asterix struggled initially but recaptured form last summer, securing The Beauford and vice in the Christmas Cup.
Heading into the JRA Plate for his fresh start, Waller held reservations about Asterix’s showing, only to be overjoyed by the stayers’ swift finish that secured the prize, bolstered by Jason Collett’s astute handling.
“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.”
Asterix ($16) charged through the bunch ridden by Collett to pip You Wahng ($9) by a long head on the wire, with favourite Travolta ($3.80) half a length adrift in third spot.
Collett commented that the race “played out really well” for Asterix.
“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.”
You Wahng, successful in last year’s Queensland Oaks, pointed towards impending triumphs via her solid second placing.
“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.”
Following his run of misfortune yet rapid close for third, Waller pointed Travolta towards a likely Gosford Gold Cup entry on May 9.
“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.”
For the best racing betting markets on the JRA Plate, visit leading sites now.