Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted Saturday at 05:03 AM Journalists Share Posted Saturday at 05:03 AM Recuperato ridden by Ben Melham wins the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Peter Gelagotis and Ben Melham have combined with Recuperato to take out the first Group race at Flemington, after the two-year-old filly stormed home on the outside of the field to take out the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m). After jumping fairly from a middle barrier, the +1000 chance with BlondeBet settled at the back of the field with cover and appreciated a strong speed that was set by the leaders Enchanted By (+400) and Eden Rose (+360). As the field joined the course proper, there appeared to be plenty of chances, with Befuddled (+450) and Prestige Sntizel (+550) making strong runs on up the inside running rail. However, the eventual winner was only getting out of trouble and into clear air to start her run, and once the field ran past the 100m mark, Prestige Snitzel took over from Befuddle. With Melham throwing everything at Recuperato, she quickly levelled up with the leader and ran on by to claim victory by 1.25 lengths. Click here for all Flemington race replays. Peter Gelagotis spoke about the victory post-race. “It means a lot, the people that are in this horse are very staunch and long-serving clients that jumped in on our recommendation,” Gelagotis said. “We spec’d this filly and carried the burden all the way through until we got her trialled up and for the guys to come on board, it means a lot to me, their faith in us, myself and Manny and the team. “We’re a family, tight-knit operation, we value our staff and their efforts, our riders, particularly Tiarni Chapman and Ray Vella, they do a lot of work to get these horses to where they’re at. “It was a deserved win. I thought she was over the odds as well, at that. “I’m pretty sure my ownership group have had a good lick at the odds and hopefully we can all go somewhere tonight and celebrate and have a fun night off the back of her efforts, particularly Benny Melham’s cool, calculated ride.” Ben Melham spoke glowingly about the winner after the race. “She’s a lovely little filly. I actually trialled her before she had her first start in Adelaide and I quite liked her,” Melham said. “She’s no overly big but she makes up for that in heart. “She had a good run throughout, a nice bit of cover, I just presented her late and she let down really well. “She ran pretty well the other day. I thought the best part of her race was late and through the line. “Stepping out to the 1200 with the benefit of a couple of raceday outings, it allowed her a chance just to travel and track into the race down the outside, and she was quite effective. “She’s got a lovely nature, and that takes them a long way.” Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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