Gai Waterhouse strengthened her hand for another Doncaster victory when Ashikaga made a winning return to racing at Rosehill on Saturday.The lightly-raced five-year-old was ridden to perfection by apprentice Daniel Ganderton whose two-kilo claim brought his weight down to 56kg.Ganderton was content to let Jim Cassidy try to steal the Sorbent Facial Tissue Handicap (1400m) on McClintock ($5) who stretched his lead to four lengths coming round the home turn.But Ganderton was always confident and w
Gai Waterhouse strengthened her hand for another Doncaster victory when Ashikaga made a winning return to racing at Rosehill on Saturday.
The lightly-raced five-year-old was ridden to perfection by apprentice Daniel Ganderton whose two-kilo claim brought his weight down to 56kg.
Ganderton was content to let Jim Cassidy try to steal the Sorbent Facial Tissue Handicap (1400m) on McClintock ($5) who stretched his lead to four lengths coming round the home turn.
But Ganderton was always confident and when he asked the $1.70 favourite for an effort, Ashikaga responded to surge to the front.
He beat McClintock by 2-1/4 lengths with Grand Cause ($8) running on fairly for third another 1-1/4 lengths away and stayer Lang ($101) a solid fourth.
"His sparring partner is Tuesday Joy," Waterhouse said.
"They have been working together and you couldn't ask for a better situation.
"He will go to the Newmarket at Newcastle now and then the Doncaster.
"I think he is an ideal type for the race."
The Group Three Newmarket (1400m) is on March 12 while the Group One Doncaster (1600m) is on April 18.
"I was happy to let McClintock go," Ganderton said.
"When you are on a horse as good as this it is a matter of not doing anything wrong.
"He stargazed a little bit but he just has so much ability, it's a pleasure to ride him."