Levendi has completed a perfectly timed sprint to beat Ace High in a photo finish to the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick this afternoon.
Levendi steadily built to the task this time, but put the writing on the wall when he flew home to win the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill last weekend.
Punters rallied around the son of Pierro in the hours leading up to jump and he was $15 into $6.50 second-favouritism when the capacity field left.
Jockey Mark Zahra elected to take the horse back after jumping well as Capital Gain, Condor and Vin De Dance lead the field past the post the first time.
Enjoying an easy run in transit off pace and settling into an ideal rhythm, Zahra allowed Levendi to work through his gears leading into the straight and stalked key runners into the clear. Locking in a sprint battle Ace High in the final 200m, the horse put his head down at the right moment to post a maiden win at the highest level.
Zahra delivered a perfectly-timed ride aboard Levendi to win the Australian Derby and was thrilled to partner the horse to Group 1 glory.
“It’s the moment of truth when you pull up and it’s going to be the most disheartening feeling ever, or sheer joy and we didn’t know!” Zahra said after the tight finish.
“He’s a beauty. He wanted to pull a bit in parts, but overall he switched off good and then I just waited and waited and I knew Tye’s horse (Ace High) would kick strong, because he’s proven over the trip.
“I just waited and then I couldn’t get in front of him, but gee he’s got a big heart. Even last week, he looms up and then was strong late.”
Trainer Peter Gelagotis was on hand for Levendi’s win in the Australian Derby and was thrilled with the result.
“It’s unreal, it’s mad!” He said.
“Levendi stamped his true ability and what we think of him last week and he’s done a great job to back up. He came through the run enormous.
“credit to Mark Zahra, who has stuck with the horse and to our team back home. It’s not an individual effort of my behalf.
“I’m very grateful to have a very good horse in my care and it’s really rewarding to be able to come away with another Group 1.”