Former Kiwi three-year-old Wertheimer has kicked off his Australian career in winning style for co-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young with an impressive performance at Cranbourne.
After the victory, Young said Wertheimer would be set for the Victoria Derby at Flemington.
Ridden by champion jockey Damien Oliver, Wertheimer was strongly supported to start a $3 favourite and came from well back to take out a 1300m maiden at Cranbourne on Wednesday.
Wertheimer had one start in New Zealand in January when he was trained by Andrew Campbell and finished sixth at Trentham.
He is raced by New Zealand owner Tom Heptinstall and carries the same colours as Sangster, who Busuttin trained to win the 2011 Victoria Derby.
Young said the son of Tavistock arrived at Cranbourne a few weeks ago and had not put a foot wrong.
She said his work had been strong and they were confident he would run a big race at his local debut.
The Busuttin and Young yard is also aiming another New Zealand-bred three-year-old, Albarado towards the Victoria Derby.
The stable celebrated a winning double at Cranbourne when Mr Tipla led throughout a race later to give apprentice Tayla Childs her fourth winner.
