Chris Waller can still surprise himself and that was the case when McCreery rattled home first-up to win the $150,000 Group III Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Handled by Hugh Bowman, McCreery ($4.20) was ridden quietly, relishing the fast pace set by tearaway leader and short-priced favourite Chetwood ($2.20 fav).

A four lengths lead topping the rise was soon gobbled up by rivals, Chetwood hitting a brick wall 100m out.

After being held up early in the straight, McCreery arrived late to beat stablemate Arod ($12) by one length with Gary Portelli’s Testashadow ($8.50) a head back in third.

“I didn’t expect him to win over 1300m,” Waller said. “But he’s come back well so I guess we run in the George Ryder to make sure he doesn’t get too much weight.”

Waller was referring to the handicap conditions of the autumn grand final for McCreery– the $3 million Doncaster Mile on April 1.

“Arod,” Waller said. “We brought him back home because he needs some manners.

“He raced a lot better today and had the confidence to finish the race off. He’s also in the Doncaster, has the right credentials and he’s well weighted.

“So it will be full steam ahead with both of them.”

Sportsbet has McCreery at $11 in their ‘all in’ Doncaster Mile market whilst Arod is at $67.

Waller has won the past four Doncaster Miles – Scared Falls (2013 and 14), Kermadec (2015) and Winx (2016). – Racenet.com.au