Last start beaten favourite Imaging is back in the picture for the 2020 Doncaster Mile after bouncing back to the winner’s stall in the Group 2 $200,000 Hyland Race Colours Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill today.

Imaging, above, is back in the picture for the 2020 Doncaster Mile after winning the Ajax Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Imaging was put out of contention last start after suffering interference in the straight before finishing eight as the favourite in the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Randwick a fortnight ago with James McDonald in the saddle.

“That can put a horse off, especially colts. James gave him a bit of room today. At least we’ve got that win on the board. I think Yulong Prince can step up to 2000m next start,” trainer Chris Waller said.

McDonald was back in the saddle today and made sure Imaging ($6.50) had clear space in the straight and the Chris Waller trained five year old held off the finishing effort of Young Prince ($15) to record a quarter of a length win over his stablemate.

Third placegetter Cascadian ($6) was two lengths away in third place ahead of the $4.40 favourite Quackerjack.

The win of Imaging gave McDonald four straight wins for the day after victories on Thermosphere in the Magic Night Stakes, Star Of The Seas in the Maurice McCarten Stakes and on Funstar in the Phar Lap Stakes.

“We are one step closer anyway. He’s in winning form and he’s come out of that scrimmage well. It was good to see him find all the way to the line,” Waller said.

The winner of the Ajax Stakes is exempt from the ballot and a penalty for the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 4 and Imaging has firmed in from $26 to be marked at $17 with Ladbrokes.com.au with only 52kg for the glamour Randwick 1600m feature on Day One of The Championships.