Last start Geelong winner Sir Walter, who broke an exasperating run of minor placings for trainer Kathryn Durden, is thriving in his new stable surroundings.Formerly trained by Nigel Sutcliffe, the five-year-old joined Durden's stable this campaign and is now a chance to become her first city winner in more than a year in Wednesday's Betfair Handicap (1800m) at Sandown.Durden has only handful of horses in her yard and Sir Walter, who scored at Geelong on January 2, was her second winner in a fru

Last start Geelong winner Sir Walter, who broke an exasperating run of minor placings for trainer Kathryn Durden, is thriving in his new stable surroundings.

Formerly trained by Nigel Sutcliffe, the five-year-old joined Durden's stable this campaign and is now a chance to become her first city winner in more than a year in Wednesday's Betfair Handicap (1800m) at Sandown.

Durden has only handful of horses in her yard and Sir Walter, who scored at Geelong on January 2, was her second winner in a frustrating season which has included 10 seconds.

Durden said never lost confidence that her drought would break with luck deserting her after Loch Awe won at Horsham in August.

"The horses were racing well and racing consistently and I knew the win would come," Durden said.

"I just had to be patient."

She said Sir Walter was an improving horse with staying prospects and he would be her first city winner since Kyleakin won at Sandown in August 2008.

"He (Sir Walter) has had three runs for me for a win, a second and a third so I am happy with the way he is going," Durden said.

She said his third at Seymour two starts ago when he led from the outside barrier set him up for his Geelong success.

"At Geelong he had a better run in the race rather than having to do all the work the whole way," Durden said.

She said Sir Walter, now rated on 72, deserved his chance in a 78 benchmark city race after winning his $22,500 showcase 68 benchmark race at Geelong.

"We could have gone to Warrnambool for a 0-72 worth $12,000 and carrying 59kg but we chose a 0-78 race with less weight in town to see if he is up to it," Durden said.

Sir Walter won with 57kg over 1700 metres last start but with a two kilogram claim for apprentice Jason Maskiell will carry 55kg at Sandown.

He has to run an extra 100 metres on Wednesday but Durden said the distance would not be an issue for the big gelding.

"I watched the horse a lot in his races before I got him and I think he will get further," she said.