New Universe to reach the heights in Cup

New Universe (left) gets his chance for an overdue stakes victory at Doomben.

New Universe has not reached the heights predicted early in his career but looks to have a genuine chance to win a black-type race at Doomben.

The Chris Waller-trained New Universe is among the favourites for the Listed Tattersall’s Members Cup (1600m) at Doomben on Saturday.

The gelding beat many of his rivals when he won at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.

He has now won races in New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Bigger things were expected of New Universe when he won his first two races in New Zealand and was sent to Australia where he won his next two starts.

He has since won another four races but has failed to win in stakes company.

Along the way he has picked up $585,000 prize money which is a great return on his $40,000 price at the New Zealand yearling sales.

New Universe has had eight starts in black-type races for one placing, a third in the 2018 Group Three Maurice McCarten Stakes.

Waller often sends his horses north from Sydney to Brisbane when they start to struggle in the class and New Universe is a case in point.

New Universe has had two starts in Brisbane for a second and a win, both over 1600m.

Stable foreman Brett Killion said Waller put a lot of work into placing his horses in races they could win.

“New Universe is probably best around 1600 metres and a bit of rain doesn’t hurt him either,” he said.

“So there are plenty of races up here for him.”

Waller also has Gresham and The Avenger in the Cup and he expects both to improve on their last-start ordinary performances.