Vilanova’s upset win in the Listed $100,000 Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday was another example of the training genius of Chris Waller, according to jockey Tommy Berry.

“This is where Chris is so good at what he does,’’ Berry said. “This horse hasn’t won for a while but Chris has obviously aimed him at this race and got him here ready on the day.

“Vilanova felt like he was on fresh legs today, he got into a lovely rhythm and he was too good.’’

Berry rode a brilliant frontrunning race on Vilanova ($11), seizing the initiative at the start by driving the stayer to the early lead and they were never headed, scoring by one-and-a-quarter lengths from a game Sir John Hawkwood ($6), with a long head to Lucky Lucky Lucky ($5.50).

Favourite Jiayuguan ($2.45) appeared to have every chance but could finish only fourth. Vilanova had not won a race for 19 months but his return to form on Friday was his fourth success from 39 starts, taking his prizemoney to just under $600,000.

“Chris wanted me to lead but if Zatopaz went quick early, then let him go,’’ Berry said. “But the plan was to put the horse in the race and make it known early you want to be there. Chris has thrown me a lot of rides since I’ve been back (from a month-long riding stint in Japan) so it is good to ride a winner for him.’’

Meanwhile, boom teenage apprentice Andrew Adkins rode his first city double when he partnered Chestnut Road and All Cerise to wins.

The 18-year-old has made a huge impression since arriving in Sydney six weeks ago to join the Ron Quinton stable. Adkins had never ridden winner at Randwick before yesterday but his double took him to 97 career wins: “It is a massive thrill to be riding for trainer like Mr Quinton and Mr Waller, and to be riding winners at Randwick.’’ –‘Ray Thomas, The Daily Telegraph