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By Brad Gray
At Rosehill Gardens

Don’t be surprised to see Imperial Aviator measure up in much better races in the future.

That was the consensus from both Gai Waterhouse and Josh Parr after the five-year-old import won his first race in Australia in taking out the Tab.com.au Handicap (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens.

Imperial Aviator proving too strong

Waterhouse had him gelded prior to this campaign after running near last at his first outing under the Tulloch Lodge banner. The difference was immediate having run an encouraging second first up over 2000m.

“He is a horse really going places. We dream about Melbourne Cups but you never know where one will go. He’s certainly an exciting and promising horse,” gushed Waterhouse.

“We had to geld him. He wasn’t interested in being a race horse as an entire and he is a different horse now. He is only finding his feet and learning the Australian way of racing. I think he’ll keep improving.”

The import, who was purchased for $489,000 in late 2016 after Rob Waterhouse found him on his British form, was given a perfect ride by Parr.

Imperial Aviator too strong! 💪 pic.twitter.com/iVQDgNK4zj

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) December 2, 2017

“I had a peach of a run and was able to follow Great Glen for as long as I liked. You couldn’t have for a better run to only have to go around one horse,” said Parr.

“At the top of the straight I let him have it. (It was a) super effort by the horse and team at home. Second up this preparation out to a mile and a half and he did it like he was fifth up.

“He is a very nice horse that is progressing in a good fashion. There is a sense of timing about him and I’m pretty sure he is a decent stayer.”

Punters didn't miss him either, backing him into a firm $2.60 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds before jump.

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Pics: Steve Hart

Check out the results and replays for Saturday's Rosehill Gardens meeting