Rank outsider Kitzbuhel Delight caused a boilover when he defeated far more fancied candidates in taking out In the Listed $200,000 Nutrien Equine Classic final for two-year-old colts and gelding at Melton on Friday night.
Kitzbuhel Delight was lucky to make the Final as he finished a distant fifth to Cardigan Dan in his heat at his debut. The colt is trained by Andy Gath and was a high-priced yearling but much of the credit must go to stable driver Jordan Leedham who drove the race of his life to snatch victory.
It was an action-packed race with Brooklyn Dan leading from the pole. Driver Cameron Hart on favourite Cardigan Dan allowed him to settle down before setting alight around the field looking to take on the leaders. But fellow driver David Moran on You Gotta Believe kicked up in the centre and Cardigan Dan was left three wide before eventually dropping back for a one out and one back trail. But he had done a power of work already.
Brooklyn Dan was still in the lead on the final bend but Letsstartinheaven was looking ominous as he issued a challenge. However, Kitzbuhel Delight who had been three back on the rails followed through with Letsstartinheaven and he weaved his way through the pack to score by just under two metres from another outsider the New South Wales visitor Pure Grunt who also came from well back in the field.
Letsstartinheaven held on for third ahead of Cardigan Dan who ran a superb race given his torrid run.
Despite his long odds Leedham stated that the $200,000 purchase at the Melbourne sales was certainly no slouch.
“We’ve always known that he’s had a fair share of ability, but he’s quite laid back and he’s never one to sort of get up and want to get going too much. But tonight, ever since he’s got on to the track he’s been on edge and ready to run more. I just hoped that he came out and did it as well.
“The whole way there was always plenty of tempo and he was doing it so easy the whole way. When James Herbertson popped off the fence, he just shot through without me moving or asking. He was just too good.”
“I concentrated on keeping him going. I didn’t want him to think the job was done too early but to his credit he found the line really well.”
“This win is right at the top of previous wins. It will be one to remember for a while.”
Pictured: Kitzbuhel Delight 2024 Nutrien Melbourne Yearling sale photo where he sold for $200,000.
