Gervais stands up at Flemington

Gervais earned the biggest pay day of his career when he stormed away with victory on his Flemington debut on Sunday.

Ridden perfectly by jet-setting hoop Damian Lance, Gervais settled behind the leader before pushing clear upon straightening and proving too strong in the run to the post in the 1600m Benchmark 70 event.

Trainer Danny O'Brien was thrilled with the Rip Van Winkle four-year-old's performance as the horse had taken a long time to mature.

"We couldn't push him too early as he took a long time maturing but that he has matured and getting him out over this sort of trip suits him," O'Brien said.

"I think he can get out to 2000m which would be a bonus as well."

Pic by Racing Photos