Source: justhorseracing.com.au

Photo: Bradleys Photography

A top ride from Alysha Collett has helped the Chris Waller-trained Waterford return to winning form in the inaugural running of the $500,000 The Lakes at Wyong.

From a wide draw in Saturday’s 1600m feature, Collett was able to get Waterford into a nice position during the run, settling fourth one off the fence, before edging even closer as the home turn approached.

Waterford was dropping back in distance from a run over 2000m last start and Collett said the gelding seemed alert as she trotted him around to the starting gates.

Collett said she was confident Waterford would be able to reel in Robusto in the straight but was also mindful not to go for the gelding too early.

“I was confident, I just didn’t want to let go of his head because sometimes when you do that he can have a good think about it,” Collett said.

“But I love the way he went to the line today. He put in. It was great for the whole team and I thank them for the ride.

“It’s just nice to get opportunities in these races and to do the job for people like Chris Waller.”

Waller stable representative Chris Harwood said Waterford had been ‘pretty luckless’ this campaign.

“He’s run in some nice races and he’s had bad barriers and when he did get a good barrier he’s been blocked for runs,” Harwood said.

“He got the luck today, he got a great ride, and we’ve pulled off a big one.

“Alysha went out there to win a race, and I think she won the race in the first furlong or two. She put him right there and he let down like a good horse today.”