A new Australian Derby challenge got rolling at Moonee Valley on Friday night when Hvasstan showed all the attributes of a high-class stayer to win the Group Two Alister Clark Stakes.
Trainer Peter Gelagotis wanted to “let the dust settle” before he confirmed plans for a trip to Sydney for the horse he and brother Manny have pinned the future of their stable on.
But dust cleared quickly for the brothers who put the Rosehill Guineas firmly on the agenda with a Derby run to follow, assuming the horse pulls up as expected.
Hvasstan ($3.20 fav) settled kindly, one pair back on the outside with jockey Craig Newitt in control of the race.
At the 400m Newitt eased off the heels of Sheer Talent and was poised entering the short Valley straight.
With the second favourite Philippi about to join in, Newitt made his move, claiming Sheer Talent ($4.20) and racing clear over the final 80m.
Philippi ($3.60) ran on without threatening to take second a nose in front of Sheer Talent ($4.20).
“The Rosehill Guineas looks perfect for him,” Gelagotis said.
“He showed in the spring he was up to Derby class, so we’ll have that in mind, but only if he shows us that’s where he should go.”
Hvasstan’s win confirmed again the value of the Victoria Derby form that has already been enhanced by the autumn form of runner up Super Cool who last week won the Australian Cup from Fiveandahalfstar, the winner of the Flemington blue riband last spring.
Hvasstan had finished a luckless sixth in the VRC Derby.
