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Another Sydney Saturday, another Chris Waller first four.
Waller prepared the first four runners across the line in the TAB Quaddie Handicap (1500m), except he wasn’t entirely convinced it would be Rugged Cross.
Tommy Berry aboard Rugged Cross. Picture: Simon Bullard
Tommy Berry aboard Rugged Cross. Picture: Simon Bullard
Rugged Cross, who was backed on track from $9 into $5, fought out the finish from Tougher Than Ever ($4.40) to eventually win by more than a length, with Eigelstein ($7) rattling home for third.
Lucky Chappy ($21), the only horse Waller thought wasn’t a fair dinkum hope because of the bog, grabbed fourth, while favourite Beyond Thankful led but tired to finish last.
“Rugged Cross’ run was very good last week, it was on a good track at Moonee Valley, but he needs a wet track,’’ said Waller, who prepared the first four home recently on a Saturday, as well as the Doncaster in the autumn.
“He’s had bad draws, and everything that could go wrong with him has gone wrong. It’s great to have the option to bring a horse back home, and it’s easier to bring a horse home than it is to send them away.’’
Stablemate Georgey Aeroplane was another horse who had returned from Melbourne to land the cash earlier in the day at Rosehill on Saturday.
Waller said it was always nice to see a stack of his runners fiil all the placings, and said: “I’m just doing my job. With no disrespect, the field wasn’t brilliant today, and we’ve picked up the better slice of $85,000, not just to the winner but to our stable.’’
Waller said the Cameron Handicap in Newcastle would shape as the next target for ‘’one or two of these horses’’.
Tommy Berry parked Rugged Cross in the perfect position mid-race, and was able to peel out and eventually wear down Tougher Than Ever.
Berry said of the six-year-old’s win: “He got back on to a soft track today, which is what he wanted. He’s been running honest races in Melbourne, so this was good.’’
Source: Christian Nicolussi