The staying qualities of Irish import Strike One came to the fore as 3200-metre racing returned to Rosehill on Saturday.In contrast to recent trends reducing race distances, the Stayers' Cup was increased from 2400 to 3200 metres and attracted a field of 10.Man of the moment Chris Waller had two runners, Bellagio Wynn ($10) who found the task too great and Strike One ($3.50 fav) who found the job just to his liking.With Nash Rawiller aboard, Strike One was posted three wide for the first half of

The staying qualities of Irish import Strike One came to the fore as 3200-metre racing returned to Rosehill on Saturday.

In contrast to recent trends reducing race distances, the Stayers' Cup was increased from 2400 to 3200 metres and attracted a field of 10.

Man of the moment Chris Waller had two runners, Bellagio Wynn ($10) who found the task too great and Strike One ($3.50 fav) who found the job just to his liking.

With Nash Rawiller aboard, Strike One was posted three wide for the first half of the race but eventually his jockey managed to get him in closer and give him a breather.

With many of the runners tiring in the straight, Strike One set out after race leader Twin Wing ($10) with Lang ($19) in pursuit.

Strike One had too much in hand and went on to beat 2008 Sydney Cup placegetter Lang by 1-1/4 lengths with Twin Wing 5-1/4 lengths away third.

"I was a bit concerned going round the first circuit when he was wide but Nash didn't panic, he backed himself and got a nice position," Waller said.

"You never know if they are going to run the distance until they actually do it.

"But they must have had an opinion of him as a stayer in Ireland because he started first-up over 2000 metres on a heavy track.

"It's a great thrill and it's great for the owners who have invested in these European horses.

"We haven't targeted the top level over there but we will go back this year and maybe aim up a bit."

Waller said the $150,000 Queensland Cup (3200m) on July 10 was likely to be Strike One's next race.

"Now that we know he can get the distance it looks ideal," he said.

The Melbourne Cup is likely to be too rich and too soon but Waller has not ruled out getting Strike One ready for the Auckland Cup.

The Group One staying test in March was won this year by Sydney stayer Zavite.

The win brought up a treble for Waller and a double for Rawiller whose nearest rival for premiership honours, Corey Brown, rode three winners including Triple Elegance for Waller.

Waller is now 16 wins behind Peter Snowden and says he doesn't believe he can catch him but Brown is continuing to put the heat on Rawiller with four wins separating the two.

Brown was aboard Lang who is with Gwenda Markwell at Kembla Grange after doing his early racing with David Payne.

While she missed out with Lang, Markwell had a day out at her home track with five winners.