Vaucluse Bay has spearheaded Chris Waller’s half-dozen chances in the Schweppes Handicap and recorded back-to-back wins at Rosehill for the first time.
“He’s come of age this preparation. Today was by far his most impressive win,” Waller said after the three-year-old cleared out to win the 2000m test by four lengths.
The $3.30 favourite thrived on the good track on Saturday, though it was Corey Brown’s astute ride that proved pivotal after the jockey found a split on the home straight.
“It was a typical Corey Brown ride, 10 out of 10. He found the right spot and makes it a lot easier for horses,” Waller said.
More Than Fabulous ($41) was second and Life O’Brien ($7) was a short head back in third.
Waller said Vaucluse Bay, who stepped up with ease after winning over 1800m in his previous benchmark handicap at Rosehill a fortnight ago, would continue to work through the grades after eight starts in this campaign.
“He should win another race based on that pretty quick. We’ll look for a race in two weeks. If not, we’ll go three weeks,” he said.
Brown was impressed with Vaucluse Bay’s stamina after riding him for the first time.
“It’s great to see horses going over that trip to have the acceleration he had from the 600 through to the winning post,” he said.
