Champion trainer Chris Waller’s decision to wait a week with smart galloper New Universe (NZ) (Darci Brahma) paid off when he won at Eagle Farm.
New Universe won a slugging battle with Spectroscope (Medaglia D’Oro) scoring by a head in the Canadian Club Handicap (1600m).
The favourite Silvera (High Chaparral) was 1-1/2 lengths third.
Waller had New Universe in an 1800m race at Eagle Farm last week but elected to wait for Saturday’s race.
Stable foreman Brett Killion said New Universe has been suited in Saturday’s race when there was a strong pace.
“It will be up to Chris whether he steps up in distance but the 1600m suits him when there is pace,” Killion said.
A former New Zealand galloper, New Universe was once rated a Stradbroke Handicap horse after winning four races early in his career.
He has failed to live up to that but has been around the placings in some good Sydney races.
Winning jockey Brad Stewart said New Universe has shown a lot of fight when challenged in the straight.
“Spectroscope got to me quickly but my horse really found something,” he said.
Stephanie Thornton said she thought Spectroscope would win at the 100m but New Universe was too strong.
