Chris Waller’s expertise with overseas horses could be expanded to include a new frontier before the Queensland winter carnival is over.
Waller is without peer when it comes to winning races with ex-northern hemisphere horses but it seems his training methods work just as well with those returning to Australia from extended Asian campaigns.
At least, that’s what the first-up Sydney run of Masthead would suggest and a second-up appearance in the Luskin Star Stakes at Scone on Saturday could easily confirm.
Masthead made a name for himself as a Melbourne-trained two-year-old who ran third in the 2011 Blue Diamond Stakes before his fourth placing in the Golden Slipper.
His Slipper run was his last in Australia as he continued his racing in Singapore where he won three times in a 21-start career.
Waller says there was much to like about Masthead’s fast-finishing third at Hawkesbury, a run that suggests he will have little difficulty improving on his modest winning record in Australia.
“I think horses appreciate coming back to Australia after being in those Asian countries where it can be quite intense. They thrive,” Waller said.
Masthead is entered for next month’s Stradbroke Handicap but Waller says much will hinge on how the five-year-old performs in the Luskin Star, a Listed race that also includes stablemates Coup Ay Tee and Velrosso.
“He’d have to win impressively on Saturday to go that far but he’s nominated,” Waller said.
Waller’s Luskin Star trio form half of a select team Sydney’s leading trainer will send to Scone on Saturday.
The other half will contest the Vinery Stud Handicap, including stable newcomer Tenacitus.