Time spent at the beach proved vital to trainer Chris Waller landing a double at Flemington on Saturday with Jaminzah and Wayanka before Alward made it a treble for the stable.
Jaminzah ($4) made it back-to-back wins when coming from well back to win the William O'Grady Handicap (1700m) under Stephen Baster while Wayanka ($6 - $4.20) appreciated dropping back in trip after finishing unplaced behind Jaminzah last start, powering through towards the inside in the home straight to win the Joan Watson Handicap (1400m).
Both were running on a seven day back-up after racing at Flemington last Saturday and Waller's Melbourne foreperson Johanne Taylor said both had enjoyed some time at Altona.
"They're both rock hard fit so they didn't do much during the week but we were able to get them to the beach and I'm sure it helped," Taylor said.
"They both pulled up well and ate well after last week. After the trip to the beach they showed all the signs that they were in good condition and the races looked suitable so Chris felt there was no reason not to run them.
"The way they have both won shows he was right!"
Wayanka was dropping back in distance from last Saturday and Taylor said Damien Oliver gave the four-year-old the perfect ride.
"Chris (Waller) wanted him covered up and Ollie did that perfectly," Taylor said.
"The drop back in trip helped and the horse did it very well. They have done brilliantly today and both are nice progressive horses."
Alward ($7 - $5.50) made it a treble for Waller when coming with a powerful finish to win the Doris Theuma Handicap (2000m) under Michael Walker.
Taylor said the firm surface at Flemington suited the import who finished fourth on a heavy track last time out at Sandown.
"He didn't handle the ground at Sandown and today really suited him," Taylor said. "Michael gave him a lovely ride and it's great to see him and the horse get a win.
"It's terrific to get a treble at Flemington and a great reward for all the hard work from the team."
