French import Wootton Verni has notched his first Australian win, taking out the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield.
The Chris Waller-trained galloper, who arrived from France late last year, scored at his sixth local start after being transferred to Waller’s Melbourne base last month.
Sent out the $3.80 favourite under Damian Lane, Wootton Verni surged late to defeat Casino Seventeen ($31) by a long neck, with Future History ($13) finishing third.
Stable representative Lizzie Collett said the win was particularly satisfying given the gelding’s tricky temperament. “He got a good clear run and was able to use his ability, but in the first 400 metres, I was saying relax,” she said.
Lane agreed the horse raced keenly but said the victory would boost his confidence. “It’s taken a little bit for him to put it together here, but he’s building the right way,” he said. “I think they bought him for bigger targets than this race.”