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John O’Shea’s confidence in Waihaha Falls had ebbed and flowed all week and just as it reached its lowest level, Tommy Berry produced a riding masterclass to drive the gelding to a stunning Randwick win.
Connections began the week bullish about Waihaha Fall’s chances, knowing the backmarker was ready to peak third-up and likely to get his favoured rain-affected conditions.
That confidence took a hit when he drew barrier 11 for the Schweppes Handicap (1400m) before their hopes were almost dashed completely on Saturday as the majority of early winners were camping on the speed.
“We thought we were there just practising to be honest because of the nature of where you needed to be in the run and where he was going to be in the run,” O’Shea said.
“I said to Tommy (Berry), we’re just going to have to cop our medicine here, the way everyone’s intent was to go forward.
“It was lap of the Gods but a great Tommy Berry ride and the horse has been deserving of a win like that.
“Tom had worked him during the week and was so happy with him, and then he’s produced a ride like that, that was unbelievable.”
Berry dropped Waihaha Falls back to last from the jump and looked to have the task ahead as he came off the bit when the field quickened approaching the corner.
But once balanced up in the straight, Berry mindfully chartered an inside course and Waihaha Falls ($7) began to quickly pull ground of the leaders before charging through a narrow gap to surge to the front and hold off the late bid of Victorian Our Redente ($5.50) by a long head.
Sinawann ($6.50) held third after hitting the front halfway up the straight, another length away.
Berry was thrilled to deliver the win for the O’Shea family with the trainer’s son Jordan the horse’s strapper.
“John had him set for this race. Jordy his strapper, John’s son, he loves this horse and he’s done a lot of work with him so it’s a great family affair for them,” Berry said.
“We had to take our medicine there early, the fence is where most of the winners have been at some point today, so we were well aware of that.
“I was (confident) until coming around the corner, they quickened and he dropped the bit with me a little bit, then when I was coming through I got baulked, but he was working up to this today and it was a brilliant win.”
O’Shea said Waihaha Falls was likely to be kept fresh and aimed at the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) on January 27.
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