Racing: Waller just loves that winning feeling

Photo / Richard Robinson

Chris Waller admits the winning feeling is addictive and he kept up the momentum with an early double at Rosehill.

The runner-up in last season's Sydney trainers' premiership produced Wyong Cup contender Hawk Island and We Betcha to take out the first two races yesterday.

"There's nothing like winning," Waller said. "We try and get that confidence in our horses, it's hard to get but once you've got it it makes it easier to take the next step.

"Whether you're a trainer, sportsman or a horse, winning is a good feeling and you tend to continue winning. The thing about Sydney racing is you can't let the ball out of sight or you will soon lose momentum."

Hawk Island has had an arduous but successful winter campaign and will be given one more chance to shine in next month's Wyong Gold Cup.

The 6-year-old gelding netted his fourth win from five starts with a victory in the ClubsNSW Handicap (2000m).

Hawk Island's tough performance with 58.5kg on his back continued Waller's domination of races at 2000m or more in Sydney, having won 20 of the 98 city races run over those distances last season.

The imported gelding looked in trouble at the 300m mark but responded under apprentice Kody Nestor to finish too powerfully for Halfametreshort with Lockmar third.

Well-bred We Betcha made it back-to-back wins when Glyn Schofield brought her down the centre of the track from back in the field to win the Fairfield RSL Handicap (1400m).

She defeated Shadow Minister by a short neck with half a length to Lacada Siren in third.

Counterpane got squeezed around the 200m mark when We Betcha started her surge and had to change tack, losing any chance.

Waller said he would continue to "take small steps" with We Betcha who has now won four of her 18 starts.

David Payne has set his sights on the Group One Manikato Stakes in Melbourne with Winter King following victory in the Starlight Stakes at Rosehill.

Winter King controlled the Listed event from the front in a race that was deprived of the presence of highly-rated colt Hinchinbrook who was scratched on race morning.

Hinchinbrook was the early favourite for the Starlight (1100m) but his withdrawal meant Winter King was sent out a dominant $1.80 favourite in the five-horse field.

The four-year-old didn't let his supporters down, defeating stablemate Centennial Park by 1 lengths to claim his first stakes victory.

Payne said Winter King had gone to another level this preparation since being gelded.

The Group Three Concorde Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on August 28 will be Winter King's next assignment before Payne looks to Melbourne and the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 24.