SYDNEY - Chris Waller has kept his Rosehill Saturday winning streak intact, courtesy of a well-deserved stakes victory by Bellagio Wynn in the Christmas Cup.
It was the 19th Saturday meeting at Waller's home track where he has led in a winner.
Bellagio Wynn was put out of contention shortly
after the start of last month's Canberra Cup when Victorian Rockpecker veered out in front of him.
After spotting the field about 20 lengths mid-race Bellagio Wynn flashed home to finish seventh, beaten by just over six lengths.
He had a much easier passage in Saturday's 2400m feature, although it looked as if he might have trouble getting through a gap late. However, Glyn Schofield was not concerned as he steered him along the inside of Rock Kingdom to go on and beat him by 1 lengths.
"I looked up towards Corey [Brown] and all he had was a pair of jacks and I had a flush," Schofield said.
"It was unfortunate what happened at Canberra but this makes up for it."
Waller had three runners in the race with Strike One the A$1.90 favourite and Bellagio Wynn and Alexander Of Hales both at A$9.
Hugh Bowman took Strike One to the lead mid-race when he judged the pace too slow but his mount was found wanting over the last 400m, while Alexander Of Hales ran fourth.
Bellagio Wynn is part-owned by Kaye Callander, the wife of racing commentator Richard Callander, who, Waller said, had been a great supporter of the stable.
"Richard helps me out with the form and we have a good relationship," Waller said.
"And this horse has been around since nearly day one.
"He was bought at the Magic Millions and we thought he'd be a nice 2-year-old and here he is at 7 winning over 2400m."
Bellagio Wynn will join stablemate Beijing Boy in the Summer Cup (2400m) at Randwick on Boxing Day but Waller is not yet sure if Strike One will also take his place.
- AAP
