THE Wagga Gold Cup carnival enjoyed a touch of celebrity as Gai Waterhouse enjoyed a victory on Town Plate day.
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.
