Quarterback breaks through in Waller first four
An overdue maiden victory came in style for Quarterback (NZ) (Super Seth), who headed a Chris Waller-trained first four in Wednesday’s A$100,000 Tropicus @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1400m), a Super Maiden at Warwick Farm.
The three-year-old gelding was making his third appearance this preparation after being blocked for running in the straight and unable to be fully tested when beaten as favourite at the same track on October 28.
With James McDonald again aboard, Quarterback justified $2.05 favouritism by forging clear to beat Darn Sure (Too Darn Hot) by a length and a quarter, with Palm Tree (Street Boss) third and Snitzel A'La Rouge (Snitzel) fourth.
Quarterback had placed in his first two starts as a juvenile before being gelded following an unplaced effort in the Gr.2 BRC Sires Produce Stakes.
Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth reflected on the breakthrough, which came at the gelding’s sixth start and earned connections a first prize of A$48,000.
“That was a great performance. I can’t believe he was still a maiden today as he has shown good ability all the way through and it’s taken a few more runs than we would have initially thought for him to break through for a maiden win, but at least it was a Super Maiden so it’s like winning two,” Duckworth said.
“He saw that journey out well and I think he will stay beyond that as well and hopefully he can continue to improve.”
Quarterback still showed some greenness around the turn, but responded when McDonald asked for his full effort, and the rider was delighted to deliver an overdue win for connections.
“He’s a progressive horse that can get through his grades,” McDonald said.
“He feels tough and once he learns his craft he’s going to be a nice horse for the owners.”
Quarterback has now had six starts for one win, one second and two thirds, while his half-brother Ka Ying Lightning (NZ) (All Too Hard) is unbeaten in three Hong Kong appearances for trainer David Hall.
Out of the winning mare Floating Heart (NZ) (Encosta De Lago), Quarterback was purchased by Mulcaster Bloodstock Ltd and Chris Waller Racing for NZ$120,000 from Pencarrow Stud's draft at the 2025 NZB Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale.
He is the third winner from four foals to race from Floating Heart, whose two-year-old Hello Youmzain gelding will be offered by Apex Bloodstock as Lot 256 at next week’s NZB Ready to Run Sale.
