Kylie Williams celebrates after winning aboard Where's Wally.
Lightly raced gelding Where’s Wally resumed in style at the Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday, winning the Bob and Dianne Goodeve R65 (1200m).
The son of Ghibellines won on debut in July last year before failing to fire at his next three starts.
Trainer Andrew Carston put his loss of form down to track conditions and was thrilled to have the four-year-old back in the winner's circle.
“It was a really good win,” Carston said. “He won his first start really well and then just lost his way a bit in the spring on the firmer tracks.
“He is now a lot stronger now mentally and physically.”
Ridden by Kylie Williams, Where’s Wally jumped smartly on Sunday and travelled off the pacemaker She’s A Smash Hit.
Williams asked her charge for an effort coming out of the straight and Where’s Wally battled it out with Masque, getting the better of the Michael and Matthew-trained runner on the line to win by three-quarters of a length.
Carston was appreciative of owner-breeders David and Hazel Voice and Donald and Jose Arthur, allowing him to take his time with Where’s Wally.
Though there are no set plans, Carston is looking forward to a winter campaign with the two-win gelding.
“Where’s Wally has some very patient owners,” he said. “I have just been waiting for the rain so it was good to get the win for them.
“I think he is a nice horse and has a good preparation ahead of him. I’m not in any rush to go again so will just see how he comes through this.”