Rejuvenated Ustinov galloper Sir Mako led home a Chris Waller trifecta in the TAB Place Multi Hcp (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Stablemate Beyond Thankful appeared certain to stage an upset until Sir Mako found another kick to score by a length.  “He was the strongest stayer in the race and just kept grinding,” Waller said.  “We might go again in the Grafton Cup if he pulls up okay.”

The LR Grafton Cup (2350m) is worth $150,000 and will be run this Thursday.

Sir Mako (7g Ustinov – Knauss by Last Tycoon) is raced by Dan O’Leary who is also in the ownership of last year’s Melbourne Cup placegetter Who Shot Thebarman.  “He came to us from New Zealand because of that connection,” Waller explained.  “He had a tendon injury early on which is why he’s only had 15 starts.  There’s plenty more come, he’s improving and appreciates heavy tracks.”

Winning jockey Tim Clark said it was a solid performance by Sir Mako who has won twice in three starts since arriving in Sydney. “He relaxed and then balanced up with plenty of momentum.  He was strong on the line and will get further.”

His sire Ustinov is based at Moorookyle Park and stands for a $4,400 (inc gst) service fee.  His dam is a three-quarter sister to Group 1 star Mahogany.