Chris Waller continues to get great results out of former European gallopers as seen with Wazn's win in the $70,000 Cromford Group Handicap (BM80) (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The former French galloper has been racing well for Waller, including three wins over the winter in his first Australian preparation.
First up this time was a different story when a disappointing last but Waller sorted out whatever the problem was and the galloper was back in winning form at Rosehill.
Ridden by Chad Schofield, Wazn settled one off the fence in midfield, six lengths in arrears of race leader Trauma (Bowman).
Approaching the turn Schofield began to make his run on the import and the entire responded, sustaining a long run to grab the lead in the shadows of the post from One Way Ticket.
The margin at the finish was a tight head with a length to Regal Banter in third place. The overall time was 1.30.92 with the last 600m run in 35.64.
“He is very good and has a good feature,” Waller said.
"He had a setback after his first-up run and that has been the reason why he had such a long break.
“He has trialled since then and obviously he was fit enough to sustain a long run like he did today.
“It was a great ride by Chad, my instructions were to stay off the fence because he likes room, he is still a colt and likes a bit of freedom and Chad rode him perfectly, it was a great ride.
“2000m is certainly his best distance so when he gets up there we will see some improvement and there should be a good win or two left in him.”
“The speed was lovely,” Schofield said.
“He was quite fresh and travelled well over the shorter distance and he sprinted well today.
“He feels like a true stayer and he will be a nice horse when he gets over more ground.”
Wazn is by Whipper (USA) out of New Story (USA) and is owned by K Hunt, I Bruce, Werrett Bldstck P/L Syn (Mgr: N Werrett), D Ackery, A Basetti, F Cook, Mrs C Cook, Lamphee Racing Syn (Mgr: P Lamphee) & B Wright.
He has improved his record to five wins and five minors from 13 starts.
