Shoot Out is Linda and Graham Huddy’s headline horse but High On Believing is part of a new batch showing promise on the racetrack.
Wearing the colours made famous by multiple Group One winner Shoot Out, the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old High On Believing notched his third win from his past four starts in taking out the McGrath Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
High On Believing winning the first race at Rosehill on Golden Rose day - Photo by Steve Hart
“We have half a dozen nice horses for them (Linda and Graham Huddy),” Waller said.
“They have a good knack of buying really nice horses. They pick them and educate them.”
After sitting in the box-seat in the opening race, High On Believing ($4.80) was into the clear at the top of the straight and responded once challenged at the 200m mark to draw away for a 1-3/4-length win.
He defeated stablemate Mon Soleil ($4.80) with Condahussler ($31) a short head away third.
Well-backed favourite Tohunga ($3.10) reared at the start before finishing fifth.
Waller is mindful that High On Believing is still improving and is reluctant to aim too high this spring.
“It will be gradual steps,” Waller said.
“He’s shown at home he’s got the ability to be a good horse, but I think he’s still learning and improving.
“If he is still learning and improving he’ll gradually get there, but he won’t do it in one big step.”
Shoot Out, meanwhile, is set to resume in the Group One George Main Stakes next week.
Sydney’s premier trainer made it a double in the opening two races when Arinosa stepped up from midweek company to win The Iconic Race (1500m).
It was the grey mare’s third win from her past five starts, with two seconds.
“She’s improved and that’s what winning does for fillies and mares,” Waller said.
“The owners are keen to go to the greys’ race at Flemington during the (Melbourne Cup) carnival.”
