Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse finished one-two in last season’s Sydney trainers’ premiership but there was nothing at all among them following the initial meeting of the new term.

The pair made two winners apiece at Hawkesbury on Wednesday with Waterhouse striking 1st, taking the opening two races on the card.

Filly Queenstown lived up to her excellent barrier trial form in the first race but it was the flashy functionality of 3-year-old Proisir that took centre stage following he overcame a tardy start to score a dominant victory.

“He won that in the style of a truly good horse,” Waterhouse’s racing manager Mark Newnham said.

“There’s a tiny bit of work to do there (in the barriers) but he’s definitely acquired the motor.”

Proisir also drew praise from winning jockey Nash Rawiller who was taken aback by his finishing sprint.

“This is a extremely promising horse,” Rawiller mentioned.

“Geez he was exciting the last 200.”

Waller obtained on the board when current acquisition High On Believing scored an against-the-odds win in the TAB Sportsbet Handicap (1200m).

The former Queenslander was properly back entering the straight and had to bide his time for a split to present itself but when clear he unleashed a devastating sprint to mow down the leaders and score.

Waller stated Higher On Believing, raced in the same interests as stablemate and Chipping Norton Stakes winner Shoot Out, was now likely to phase up to Saturday grade.

Leading Sydney trainer for the past two seasons, Waller notched his double when European import Thubiaan just lasted to consider out the last race.