Hidden Achievement could be heading to Brisbane’s winter carnival after improving on his debut runner-up finish with a strong victory at Gosford.

The $675,000 yearling was impressive in the Ortus Financial 2YO Handicap (1200m), travelling smoothly throughout the race before powering through the straight to claim a three-quarters of a length win at $5.

Stablemate Sarapo ($8) finished well for second, while Chicama ($3.70 fav) faded to third.

Waller’s representative, Zane Jones, said the colt had made significant strides since his debut. “Lovely colt. He has just improved out of sight from his trials to his debut performance,” Jones commented. “Hidden Achievement put the writing on the wall the other day. We will let the dust settle, see how he comes through it and decide on Queensland then.”

Jockey Adam Hyeronimus, who doesn’t usually ride for Waller, relished the opportunity. “Nice to ride a very nice horse, a very nice two-year-old colt for Chris,” Hyeronimus said. “Six furlongs probably isn’t his distance but he was just too good for them and he is only on the way up.”

Sarapo impressed on debut, making good ground for second.

Both horses hold entries for the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on May 31 and the J J Atkins (1600m) on June 14.

Meanwhile, pre-post favourite Sequista was scratched at the last minute after suffering lacerations in the float on the way to Gosford.