Dramatic finish in Aussie Derby
Forsman pleased with performance of the four Kiwi runners
Levendi has won a dramatic Australian Derby, claiming the race by a nose from Ace High and having it reinforced by stewards after a protest. Tye Angland fired in the objection against Mark Zahra, alleging the favourite Ace High ($5) had suffered when Levendi ($6) laid in during the final 100m.
To the relief of Victorian trainer Peter Gelagotis and his large band of supporters, Levendi retained the race, with stewards agreeing there was minimal damage to the runnerup’s chances.
The pair had Saturday’s 2400m Classic to themselves over the final stages, with Tangled ($26) best of the rest 53⁄ lengths away.
“We’ve all started from humble beginnings and you get given opportunities in life when you’ve got the guts and determination to take them,” Gelagotis said.
“We are a big family and that includes all the stable staff.
“You hope the rider is on the job with you and I don’t think we could have had a better guy on top who can be strong in a finish.”
Gelagotis said he had gained confidence after Levendi won last Saturday’s Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
“He has the right breeding to be a stayer and it’s just great to have a horse like him in the stable.
“He was always travelling well and you could see he was going to let down and be in the finish.”
Gelagotis and his brother Manny, who is racing manager for the Moe stable, are proud of their Greek heritage.
“Even Levendi is a Greek name,” Peter Gelagotis said.
“It means strapping young lad or handsome gentleman and that’s him.”
“He’ll go for a break now and we’ll look to the Melbourne Cup in the spring.
Meanwhile, co-trainer Andrew Forsman was pleased with the performance of the Cambridge stable’s four runners in the Derby which saw Vin De Dance finish fourth as the best performed of the quartet.
“Vin De Dance went a very solid race and battled on strongly to finish fourth,” he said.
“Weather With You probably did his chips with a slow start while Mission Hill over-raced and the wide barrier didn’t do any favours for Mongolian Marshal.
“I think Vin De Dance and Mission Hill will probably come home for a spell now but the other two might stay around for another race or two depending on how they come through the run.”
— AAP, NZ Racing Desk