Steel Strike claims narrow victory at Rosehill
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott kicked off the new racing season with a win courtesy of Steel Strike in the National Jockeys Trust Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
The quick-starting galloper Felix Majestic thrived on the firmer ground, dictating terms and building a four-length advantage over his pursuers, with Steel Strike in close attendance.
Veteran jockey Tim Clark remained patient on Steel Strike, and the pair needed almost the entire Rosehill straight to overhaul the courageous Felix Majestic in a thrilling contest.
"It was a great set-up for him today,'' Bott remarked. "Tim wanted to be aggressive early and put himself into the picture."
"We thought it would be a truly run race and I think he enjoyed having something to chase. He was usually the one creating the pace last preparation and that left him vulnerable late but it all fell into place for him today.''
Steel Strike, a $8 outsider and representing Scott Darby's syndication operation Darby Racing, eventually caught the valiant Felix Majestic ($12) right on the finish line, winning by a half neck. Silvanito ($11) followed a half length behind in third.
The well-backed favourite, Tarzing ($2.70), was struggling early in the straight and could only manage sixth.
Clark celebrated his birthday with a riding double, having previously guided Funshow to victory, matching Zac Lloyd's tally for the day.
Steel Strike, a five-year-old by Exceedance, had only raced nine times prior to this win, which marked his second career success.
"I think this horse will be a very good buy for Darby Racing,'' Bott stated. "The plan is to just take Steel Strike through his grades and potentially get him out to 1600m.''
Waterhouse and Bott concluded the 2025/26 season with 132 wins across all tracks, including 69 metropolitan victories, placing them second on the Sydney premiership behind Chris Waller, who secured 183 wins and amassed close to $18 million in prize money.
Their standout performer from the previous season was Sir Delius, a triple Group 1 winner who captured the Underwood Stakes, Turnbull Stakes, and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Sir Delius is currently in preparation for a spring campaign and impressed Bott with a strong second in his Randwick barrier trial on Friday, behind Oh Diamond Lil, with Autumn Glow finishing third. Check out the latest racing odds for upcoming events.
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