One to Watch – Ballarat

Tara Madgwick - Sunday June 4
Golden Slipper winner Pierro gave us the 'One to Watch' on Sunday with a brilliant debut winner at Ballarat.

Trained by Peter Gelagotis, two year-old colt Levendi was well fancied on debut and ran accordingly, dashing away to win the 1200 metre maiden by nearly three lengths.

"He's a classy colt," stable representative Manny Gelagotis told Racing.com.

"He trialled exceptionally well at Cranbourne and presented like a professional today.

"He's a horse that keeps improving and he's got a massive future. He's a high-class horse in the making and I think we will see a really good colt in the spring."

Levendi as a yearlingLevendi mustered speed from the gates for Ben Melham to sit just behind the leader and then found another gear over the final furlong to open up a clear lead on his rivals.

"He's a really nice horse with a good nature and a beautiful action. He's got really good raw ability and a very promising future," Melham commented.

A $140,000 Magic Millions purchase for Manny Gelagotis from the Widden Stud draft, Levendi was bred by long time Widden client Robert Anderson and is the second winner for stakes-placed Redoute's Choice mare Lipari, a daughter of Group I winner Tully Thunder.

Levendi is the fourth winner for Pierro, who is the leading Australian first season sire by earnings and will have a great chance in the Group I BRC JJ Atkins Stakes next Saturday with classy colt Pierata.

An impressive winner at Randwick in April and a fast finishing third in the Group II BRC Sires Produce Stakes on May 27, Pierata is trained by astute Warwick Farm horseman Greg Hickman who is no stranger to Group I success.



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