Raffles Pegasus breaks maiden with listed win

Raffles Pegasus broke his maiden status in fine style by winning a stakes race at Flemington on Monday.

Raffles Pegasus owner Dato Yap, who is also a part owner of the Danny O'Brien trained AJC Derby winner Shamrocker capped off a successful Autumn with a half length victory in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes over 1400 metres.

Sent out a $12 chance after $14 was bet, Raffles Pegasus made the most of his opportunities after being positioned nicely in fourth place during the run by Glen Boss.

He waited until well into the straight before giving Raffles Pegasus full rein and he was too strong for the $41 chance Nordic Duke in the concluding stages. Third was another outsider, Win For Layla at $26 which was a neck away from the other two.

Gerard Tesoriero, Assistant Trainer for O'Brien was pleased with the win.

"We're very happy with the horse's performance", he said.

"He's had a very long prep and it was the icing on the cake to win a stakes race."

Having his sixth start, Raffles Pegasus had never raced in the city before this race, running several placings in the country in recent weeks. Clearly he appreciated the longer distance and spacious track at Flemington today.

"Early in the prep he was still green and obviously the application of the blinkers has helped and stretching out to 1400 seems to be a nice trip for him", Tesoriero explained.

Possible plans include taking the horse to the Gibson Carmichael Stakes over 1600 metres at Flemington on the May 21.

"We were always thinking he was going to be his best at a mile so if he can stay up to stick around for the Gibson Carmichael that may be an option for him", Tesoriero said.

Story by Bill Saunders, to view story at The Virtual Formguide click here

Photo by Slickpix, to view Slickpix website click here