It’s now up to Malaguerra – Gelagotis Posted on November 24, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli Peter Gelagotis is confident he has played his role and said it’s now up to Malaguerra to complete the assignment in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday. The Victorian-based trainer believes bad luck is the biggest enemy to Malaguerra who headlines a strong cast of eastern states raiders, shading Terravista for TAB favouritism. Malaguerra found his position at the head of the market after he outgunned Spieth in the Group One Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington three weeks back. Victory on the final day of the Flemington carnival followed a second in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, Malaguerra’s first outing for the Gelagotis stable. The Magnus gelding won the BTC Cup (1200m) for Lee and Anthony Freedman during the Brisbane winter carnival before transferring to his new headquarters in Moe. Gelagotis said Malaguerra, who is just shy of $1.5 million in prizemoney, was poised to end his racing year on a stunning high. “I don’t think we can do any better coming here,” Gelagotis told the Sports Daily on TABradio. “He travelled superb, he held his condition on the flight and he has pleased me in the feed bin. “More importantly his work has been nothing short of sensational. “The people who have watched his final gallop have given a glowing report. “Simon Miller’s words to me were: ‘I can see why he is a Group One horse’. “My track rider said he was going every bit as good as leading into the Darley. “We have no stone unturned our end and it’s a matter of having a bit of luck. “Unless I have missed something he will run up to his best and be the one to beat I think.” Victorian jockey, Ben Melham, who is no stranger to big race Perth success, will join forces with Malaguerra again. The 28-year-old won the WA Derby on Mystic Prince (2013) and partnered Liberty’s Gem to win the Placid Ark Stakes and Sir Ernest Lee Steere Classic (2014). Melham and Malaguerra combine from gate one. “He is a Group One winning jock who lives and breathes this horse,” Gelagotis said. “I don’t believe top end jocks need to be told what to do. “I think we can complicate things and simple stupid is always the best. “When you are the calibre of Ben Melham you let him do his job.” Malaguerra is quoted a $3.30 chance with the TAB. Sydney galloper, Terravista, is next pick at $3.60.
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Doomben Preview July 10, 2025 RACE 1 Racing at Doomben on Saturday will be under sunny skies on a Good rated surface following a week of perfect winter weather. With… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview July 10, 2025 RACE 1 Racing in Sydney on Saturday comes from Randwick where we will be racing on near enough to a good track under fine skies…. Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Bunbury Preview July 10, 2025 RACE 1 TWISTED STEEL made a mess of them on debut at Northam, winning by 4L and it was revealed post-race that his trackwork partner… Read More
Scott Embry’s Friday Carnarvon Preview July 10, 2025 RACE 1 KING MAHUTA has his first start on the dirt which is always an unknown but as a general rule Brett Pope’s have always… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Caulfield Preview July 10, 2025 Race 1 CASTELLITO has jumped out impressively on rain affected ground and looks ready to make her presence felt on debut. SIGNATURE SCENT impressed on… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 18 July 10, 2025 THURSDAY Carlton v Brisbane, Marvel Stadium, 5.30pm Irony is present in many forms. Michael Voss, both one of the greatest players in Brisbane’s history and… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Thursday Greyhound Best Bets July 10, 2025 MANDURAH Race 5 No. 1 Tempting Lulu He’s had the two runs in the west now, first up he was really good over the short… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Wednesday Greyhound Best Bets July 9, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 1 No. 1 Beautiful Babe She’s dropping in trip but she’s also down in the grades, has won over this distance in the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Thursday Northam Preview July 8, 2025 RACE 1 GOD’LL GETYA obvious has feet troubles so seeing the Bar Plates come off is a great sign. Won a barrier trial by 5L… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Pinjarra Preview July 8, 2025 RACE 1 COUNTRY GOD trialled super leading into his debut and it saw him go around favourite on a Saturday at Ascot behind Luana Miss… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Wednesday Sandown Preview July 8, 2025 Race 1 ALIANO has jumped out very well on a number of occasions for his debut and has handled wet ground under those conditions. MELBOURNE… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview July 8, 2025 Race 1 LADY DELA HOYA (7) has an abundance of early speed, the mile suits and if she can cross, she could just keep on… Read More