THE Wagga Gold Cup carnival enjoyed a touch of celebrity as Gai Waterhouse enjoyed a victory on Town Plate day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Renowned for her work with two-year-olds, Waterhouse’s charge Nostariel claimed the Cottontail Wines Inglis Bonus 2YO Handicap (1200m).
To make matters better for connections, Nostariel claimed the $11,360 first prize cheque, plus the $50,000 Inglis bonus.
Brenton Avdulla produced a top ride to score, getting Notariel ($3.10) into clear running early and the filly did the rest, toughing out a strong win.
“It was a good professional win,” Avdulla said.
“She jumped well, we found the gun spot but then the speed went off so I had to get her rolling. She’s on of Gai’s so I knew she would be fit and ready to go.
“It was a good tough effort.”
Waterhouse was unable to be on track due to commitments in Sydney.
Nostariel hit the front at the 200 and was able to hold off the fast-finishing Bring A Secret ($5.00) from the Nick Olive stable.
Bring A Secret was held up from running for a long period of the straight, but eventually found room along the inside and charged to run a close second.
Swift Reply ($5.00) ran third for the Bede Murray camp a further 1 ¾ lengths behind the first two.
![WINNER: Brenton Avdulla returns on Nostariel after their win in the Cottontail Wines Inglis Bonus 2YO Handicap (1200m) at Wagga on Thursday. Picture: Les Smith WINNER: Brenton Avdulla returns on Nostariel after their win in the Cottontail Wines Inglis Bonus 2YO Handicap (1200m) at Wagga on Thursday. Picture: Les Smith](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/8tYDWUpBiaA8SfdG6xkddz/12984475-ae85-4afb-96c6-7f2551dfc50a.JPG/r0_220_1590_1752_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)