Chris Waller is on the other side of the world showcasing his talents at Royal Ascot, but he has still managed to play a significant role at his home track of Rosehill, winning five races including the feature with Skyman.
Naval Seal opened Waller’s account in the fourth race and the champion trainer quickly added to his haul with Born A King, Skyman, Wicklow and Bella Rouge all successful.
With Waller and his right-hand man Charlie Duckworth both in England, the staff at Rosehill have carried the can admirably, led by Damien Fitton.
“It has been great, credit to all the team back at home,” Fitton said of the stable’s five-winner haul.
“Everyone has put in a big effort since Chris has been away overseas with the horses and it’s great to see the results today.”
While Skyman posted the most important win of the afternoon in the Listed W J McKell Cup (2000m), sparingly raced import Wicklow might be the horse with the most upside.
The four-year-old defied the prevailing pattern of the day when he came from last and weaved clear to win the Warren Woodcock Senior Handicap (1500m), adding to the hat-trick of victories he posted at his first Australian campaign last winter.
Fitton said they had deliberately given Wicklow a lengthy spell after that initial preparation and were in no hurry to push him through his grades despite their belief he would eventually measure up at stakes level.
“We gave him a nice spell after his last preparation because he’s a European horse and he has been racing six months above his age,” Fitton said.
“There is no rush for this fellow. He is going to continue to pick up Saturday class races and he will eventually get to black-type races when he’s ready.
“The world’s his oyster.”
Waller’s winners were shared between three riders with Willie Pike scoring aboard Naval Seal and Skyman, Hugh Bowman delivering a double on Born A King and Wicklow, and Tommy Berry victorious on Bella Rouge.
