A Group One winner in New Zealand, Asterix has broken through for his first Australian success since joining the Chris Waller stable at the start of the year.
After signalling he was close to a return to his best form with a solid fifth in the St Leger (2600m) at Randwick last start, the seven-year-old was able to capitalise on a low draw to score a grinding victory in the Listed The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle on Saturday.
“I thought his run was great the other day in the St Leger,” winning jockey Jason Collett said.
“It was just a slow-run race. He led the start before that and it didn’t work one bit, so last start we tried to make sure he did things right, which he did, and he found the line great.
“His trial was good leading into this and when I had the gate today, I was able to use it and put him in a close enough spot which gave us our chance.”
Asterix won the 2022 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at his fourth start and made his debut for Waller in February this year following an extended stint on the sidelines.
With just 23 starts on his record, the gelding remains lightly raced and Collett believes he still has something to offer.
“He’s won a Derby, a New Zealand Derby too. He’s got the credentials there and this will no doubt build confidence,” he said.
Asterix ($14) scored by a length over stablemate God’s Window ($4.40 fav), who was doing his best work late, with Future History ($6.50) third.
Representing the Waller yard, Zane Jones said Asterix had always shown he could measure up in Australia but had taken time to hit his straps.
“He was a good horse in New Zealand before coming to Australia. We never lost faith in the horse, it was just a matter of turning up, getting things to go his way and today, it did,” Jones said.
