Veteran warhorse Zavite has caused a major upset in the Ranvet Stakes with the 100-1 shot fighting off Caulfield Cup winner Descarado to take the Group One prize by a half-head.
It was the second shock result at Rosehill on Saturday for trainer Anthony Cummings after two-year-old Smart Missile downed Golden Slipper favourite Sepoy in the Todman Stakes.
Zavite had the services of big-race jockey Glen Boss who admitted the 2000m win was a pleasant surprise while Cummings was rapt for one of his favourite horses.
Boss did as instructed and let Zavite find his rhythm in front and keep going at a steady clip with Descarado ($3.50) just behind him.
Favourite Maluckyday ($2.70) was at the tail of the field and struggled from mid-race in the soft ground.
Descarado headed Zavite inside the final 100 metres but the eight-year-old responded to Boss’ urgings to claim his second elite victory.
“He is a sensational racehorse,” Cummings said.
“He loves what he is doing.
“He is the oldest bloke in the stable, me included, and he has more energy and more zest than a lot of the two and three-year-olds.
“I told Glen just to let him find his rhythm and be comfortable and he would just keep going.
“I asked him not to be too cute about it.
“The horse always does his best.”
Hawk Island ($11) made ground behind Descarado to finish 3-1/4 lengths third with Melbourne Cup runner-up Maluckyday fourth.
Zavite’s next start will be the Group One BMW (2400m) in two weeks in which he almost pulled off a major upset in 2010, running second to Littorio.
It was the fourth win in the Ranvet for Boss who previously claimed the race on Eremein (2006), Republic Lass (2003) and Darazari (1999).
“It’s obviously a pleasant shock,” Boss said.
“I thought he was going to run a nice race but he got into an unbelievable rhythm and fought back.
“He was great.”
Zavite won the 2009 Group Two Adelaide Cup (3200m) and last year’s Group One Auckland Cup over the same distance and will be given a chance at the marathon in the Sydney Cup after he runs in the BMW.
“I think he’s a better 2400-metre horse than over 3200 metres but we will give him another chance,” Cummings said.
“He deserves another go at the Sydney Cup.
“He is just a fantastic horse and keeps himself fit and healthy.
“It’s all down to him and the way he handles himself.”
New Zealand mare Keep The Peace raced midfield but was found wanting in the final stages and finished last of the seven runners, 9-1/4 lengths from the winner.
AAP TURF
