Fresh from a highly successful autumn in Sydney, Chris Waller and James McDonald have combined to snare the Australasian Oaks with Panova.
Chris Waller is one win away from joining an exclusive club after Panova delivered him his 199th Group One victory in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.
Only two Australian trainers, T J Smith and Bart Cummings, have produced the winners of more than 200 majors with the legendary pair finishing their illustrious careers with 246 apiece.
Panova's success also took Waller to 19 Group 1 victories this season, equalling the national record he set during the 2024-25 season.
Waller says getting to the magical 200 milestone hasn't been his focus and he is simply thrilled to see Panova return to the winner's list after being a run behind all preparation.
"She had a temperature at the start of the autumn, and we don't want to push them. We gave her time," Waller said.
"But as a result she was a bit bigger, and we all know about that. Once you get out of shape, it's hard to get back in shape, whether you're a racehorse or a person, so we've just worked away, we haven't rushed her, and she's got there today."
Panova had been racing well in stakes company in Sydney without winning, her last victory coming at the end of her spring campaign in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Winning jockey James Mcdonald felt a return to racing in the left-handed direction aided Panova, and was delighted to land his first Group 1 win in Adelaide, the breakthrough following a hugely successful Sydney autumn carnival for the champion hoop in which he rode 10 Group 1 winners.
"It's an honour to be here," McDonald said.
"To win one of the nice Oaks, I enjoy winning classics. They're one of my favourites, rich in history and this race is no different."
Waller indicated Panova's preparation might just be getting started with the filly in the mix to continue towards the Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm in June.
"She is very adaptable. A talented horse," Waller said.
"We started a long way behind the eight ball, and she has caught up now. She will train on from it and might even get to the Queensland Oaks."
Panova ($11) swept down the outside from back in the field to score by a length over Mating Call ($6) with Paltrow Miss ($15) third.
