Champion trainer Chris Waller’s decision to wait a week with smart galloper New Universe paid off when he won at Eagle Farm.
New Universe ($6) won a slugging battle with Scectroscope ($10) scoring by a head in the Canadian Club Handicap (1600m).
The favourite Silvera ($2.30) was 1-1/2 lengths third.
Waller had New Universe in an 1800m race at Eagle Farm last week but elected to wait for Saturday’s race.
Stable foreman Brett Killion said New Universe has been suited in Saturday’s race when there was a strong pace.
“It will be up to Chris whether he steps up in distance but the 1600m suits him when there is pace,” Killion said.
A former New Zealand galloper, New Universe was once rated a Stradbroke Handicap horse after winning four races early in his career.
He has failed to live up to that but has been around the placings in some good Sydney races.
Winning jockey Brad Stewart said New Universe has shown a lot of fight when challenged in the straight.
“Spectroscope got to me quickly but my horse really found something,” he said.
Stephanie Thornton said she thought Spectroscope would win at the 100m but New Universe was too strong.
Premier trainer Tony Gollan was at the Inglis sales in Sydney but he got a thrill when when family horse Boom Boy ($41) scored a last-stride win in the Jim Beam Handicap (1200m).
Gollan bred Boom Boy who is by Sequalo out of Temple Girl, making him a three-quarter brother to Group One winner and now top sire Spirit Of Boom.
Boom Boy is part-owned by Gollan’s mother Paulette and his father Darrell.
The gelding races in Darrell Gollan’s colours which were carried by the Group One Doncaster winner Dalrello.
Gollan’s foreman Craig Cavanough said the whole stable was thrilled with the win.
“Tony has been hoping Boom Boy could win a city race and now he has done it,” he said.
Jockey Matt McGillivray completed a treble on Boom Boy who has now won four races.
