Consistency and patience paid off for the connections of Mr Universe , as the Wayne DaCosta trainee picked up his first win for the season in an optional $550,000-$500,000 claiming event for three-year-olds and upwards that included native-bred four-year-olds non-winners of four going five-and-a-half-furlongs (1,100m).

Mr Universe returned to competitive racing on March 17 of this year after a one-year break and ran a creditable third behind Sarah Lee in a six-furlong (1,200m) event.

On Saturday, with Jerome Innis in the saddle, Mr Universe showed no signs of fatigue and made one move in a dominating six-and-a-half length win in a quick 1:05.2.

Mr Universe surged to the lead at the off ahead of Capturemyship (Shane Ellis) and Mr Lyndhurst (Rayan Wilson). The chestnut colt continued to lead rounding the half-mile (800m) and with no challenger turning for home, Mr Universe went on his business to win comfortably in the end.

Capturemyship rallied for second money with KD Flyer (Dane Dawkins) getting third place and Pleasant Secret (Aaron Chatrie) fourth in the seven-horse field.

DaCosta said that he was pleased with the effort from his charge.

“It was a good performance by Mr Universe to win here today (Saturday) and I am happy with the run. The time was an excellent one as well, which is an indication of his capability.

“ Mr Universe always had the potential to be better than an average horse but lameness has plagued all of his career. Right now, he is better, so we will see how long he can keep sound,” DaCosta told the Supreme Racing Guide.

With the win, Mr Universe has now qualified for Overnight Allowance and DaCosta is hoping that his charge won’t stay at the level for too long as he targets the possibility of going to the top level.

“We will try and go through the stages one day at a time. The next class for him [ Mr Universe] is Overnight Allowance and he should have a good chance in that class as well and then after we will see if he can take on the ‘big boys’,” DaCosta said.