Petushki gave rider Richard Eynon a memorable first win in Australia. Eynon works for the Wheeler stable at New Plymouth. Wheeler also saddled the runner-up, Banna Strand.
Wheeler has also won the Great Eastern with Touch Judge (1993), Tyrolia (1994), Light Hand (1995, '96), Foxbay (1997), St Steven (2001) and Real Tonic (2006).
He shares the ownership of Petushki with three Australians. The 6yr-old began jumping last winter. The Golan gelding won a maiden steeplechase at Paeroa and ran third in the Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton.
Yamanura, the other horse Wheeler had at Oakbank, finished third in the Yalumba Hurdles.
• Michael Pitman has surpassed his best training tally for a season with three months remaining this term.
Pitman saddled Sand Toyz, Hill Of Gold, Sub Prime and Vintner to win at Riverton yesterday, taking his tally for the season to 87. He is leading the premiership ahead of Jon Sargent (62 ) and Lisa Latta (55).
The Yaldhurst-based Pitman won the premiership with 86 wins in 2007-08.
It was the fifth win on the Riverton track and eighth all told for Sand Toyz, owned by John and Evelyn Carran of Otautau.
Hill Of Gold has won three races since he began racing from the Pitman stable four months ago.
Sub Prime has won six since she joined the stable this season.
Chris Johnson was fined $200 for taking the mounts on Acquit and Overthelign in the same race.
Jamie Bates was fined $150 for excessive use of the whip after he won on Comanche Gold.
