Chris WallerĀ has continued his domination of the Wyong Cup claiming the first four from his five runners in the Listed event.
Success in the 2100mĀ raceĀ on Friday also provided Waller with his eighth win from the past 11Ā editionsĀ of the Wyong Cup.
Former UK galloper Durston ($6.50) scored his second Australian win when he was handled beautifully by James McDonaldĀ in scoring by 1-Ā¾ lengths from stablemate YiyiĀ ($6) with Our IntrigueĀ ($16) a further two lengths away third.
Lord Ardmore, the $1.65 favourite, rounded out the Waller first fourĀ while his fifth runner,Ā MubarizĀ ($31), finished seventh of the eight runners.
Durston had been heavily supported in the lead-up to Friday’s victory firming from as much as $15 in TAB markets,Ā and beforeĀ scratchings.
The win was a turnaround in form for Durston who was having his third start for Waller having had two starts with the Ciaron Maher andĀ David EustaceĀ stable, including a win,Ā last year.
At his most recent outing DurstonĀ finished more than 23 lengths away in last place in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Damien Fitton, stable spokesman for the Waller yard, said an important gearĀ change had brought about a change of fortune for the galloper.
“That was his third start for us today,” Fitton said.
“And we went for the ultimate gear change today, putting aĀ norton-bit on, it’s a bit more of an aggressive bit.
“TheĀ norton-bit did the job today and it was a great ride by James.
“He went back to the rear of the field and let him switch off. He dropped his head for the first time since we’ve had him and that told the tale at the finish.
“He was able to conserve some energy and it was the winning move making the run when he did.
“It’s onwards and upwards for him.”
