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 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.