Chris Waller-trained import My Nordic Hero has broken through for his first Australian win after knocking on the door in his recent starts.
My Nordic Hero was given the right run by Michael Walker in Saturday’s GJK Facility Services Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley, scooting through along the fence and opening a winning break around the home turn.
Self Sense ($6.50), who won the Australian Hurdle at his most recent start, gave chase in the straight but My Nordic Hero ($4.80) had 1-1/2 lengths to spare on the line, with Have Another Glass ($5) another length away third.
My Nordic Hero, who was a Listed winner in Ireland in 2015, had finished second in his two previous starts at Flemington and Moonee Valley since heading south to Waller’s Melbourne stable after doing his Australian racing in Sydney.
“It’s very pleasing,” Waller’s Melbourne stable representative Jo Taylor said.
“He’s a lovely horse and he certainly makes our jobs very easy.
“His first two starts in Melbourne were very credible, running second behind the Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time and then last start tactically things just didn’t quite go his way.
“It was good to see him get a really good ride from Michael today and he was able to produce the goods.”
Walker had not ridden My Nordic Hero in his recent starts but said he was confident going into Saturday’s event.
“He pulled really hard going to the start today so I was a bit worried but I had a good run in the race,” he said.
“He’s going well.” – AAP
