But unlike Waller’s previous winners, Asterix’s was a little unexpected with the rising eight-year-old gelding sent out as a $16 chance.
A New Zealand Derby winner four years ago, Asterix seemed to lose his way before showing glimpses of his best last summer winning The Beauford and running second in the Christmas Cup.
But Waller didn’t know what to expect from Asterix first-up in the JRA Plate and was pleasantly surprised when the stayer finished fast to win, aided by a well-timed Jason Collett ride.
“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) burst through the ruck under Collett to reel in You Wahng ($9) to win by a long head with Travolta ($3.80 favourite) a half length away third.
Collett said 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, winner of the Queensland Oaks last season, indicated a return to winning form is imminent with her close second.
“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 also indicated Travolta is likely to head to the Gosford Gold Cup on May 9 after his luckless, fast finishing third.
“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.”
