Chris Waller needs only one more success to join a select group, courtesy of Panova handing him his 199th Group One in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.

No more than two Australian conditioners, T J Smith and Bart Cummings, have delivered over 200 elite wins, both legends ending on 246.

This result lifted Waller to 19 Group 1 victories this term, equalling his own Australian record from the 2024-25 season.

Waller reveals that the pursuit of 200 hasn’t been central to his plans, expressing joy at Panova’s return to form after playing second fiddle all prep.

“She had a temperature at the start of the autumn, and we don’t want to push them. We gave her time,” Waller said.

“But as a result she was a bit bigger, and we all know about that. Once you get out of shape, it’s hard to get back in shape, whether you’re a racehorse or a person, so we’ve just worked away, we haven’t rushed her, and she’s got there today.”

Panova had shown promise in Sydney stakes without a win, her prior success marking the end of spring in Flemington’s Carbine Club Stakes (1600m).

James McDonald, aboard for the win, attributed part of it to the left-hand track, ecstatic for his first Adelaide Group 1 after 10 during Sydney’s autumn carnival.

“It’s an honour to be here,” McDonald said.

“To win one of the nice Oaks, I enjoy winning classics. They’re one of my favourites, rich in history and this race is no different.”

Per Waller, Panova’s campaign is ramping up, with eyes possibly on Eagle Farm’s Queensland Oaks (2200m) in June.

“She is very adaptable. A talented horse,” Waller said.

“We started a long way behind the eight ball, and she has caught up now. She will train on from it and might even get to the Queensland Oaks.”

The $11 shot Panova powered down the outside from the pack to triumph by a length ahead of $6 favourite Mating Call, with Paltrow Miss ($15) next best.

Punters should visit premier racing betting markets for Australasian Oaks insights and promotions.