Kovalica claims dramatic Q22 victory

Former Queensland Derby hero Kovalica returned to the winner’s circle in thrilling fashion on Saturday, edging out a tight three-way finish to claim the $1.2 million Group 2 Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm.

The Ocean Park gelding, bred in New Zealand and trained by Chris Waller, hadn’t won since his Group 1 triumph in the 2023 Queensland Derby. But despite going winless in 20 starts since, Kovalica consistently ran bold races against top-tier opposition—and finally got his reward.

Ridden by Nash Rawiller, the five-year-old was ridden cold near the rear of the field before unleashing a wide run in the straight. Leaders Fawkner Park and New Endeavour had kicked clear, but Kovalica swooped late down the outside to nail them on the line, scoring by a short half-head.

“It was a long ride back to scale, making sure I’d got there,” Rawiller said. “We made a late call to apply the blinkers during the week, and he really travelled like he was ready to do something. He’s such a strong stayer.”

Waller praised both horse and connections for their patience.

“It’s been a while between wins, but we never lost faith,” Waller said. “He’s been racing well in strong company without luck. That was well-deserved.”

Kovalica was a standout three-year-old in Queensland two seasons ago, winning the Group 1 Derby and Group 2 Guineas while placing in the Doomben Cup. Since then, he’s picked up minor placings in the Epsom Handicap, Hill Stakes, Tramway Stakes, Hollindale Stakes (twice), and even ran sixth in the 2023 Cox Plate.

2025 Group 2 Q22 Replay – Kovalica

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