Levendi (AUS)
O: E Gelagotis, B M & W Racing, Grants Racing, B Micalizzi, S Lewin, M Howell, L Howell, L Sticca, L Osman, R Osman, Dr P Stevens, M Answerth, D Barbuto, W Morris, B Carter, Ms K Brown & D Cacciola
B: Mr R Anderson
T: Peter Gelagotis
W: 2YO Maiden Plate, 1200m, Ballarat, 4 June
S: $140,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale 2016 V: Widden Stud P: Manny Gelagotis
The Peter Gelagotis-trained two-year-old colt Levendi ran out an impressive two and three quarter length winner on his racecourse debut over 1200 metres on a Soft 5 track at Ballarat on Sunday.
He was smartly away from barrier four in the 11-horse field under Ben Melham, settling nicely on the shoulder of the leader before quickening into the lead at the 300 metres and stretching clear for a decisive victory over the New Zealand-bred Sully (Reliable Man).
Levendi was purchased for $140,000 by Manny Gelagotis at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Widden Stud and is one of four winners for leading first season sire Pierro (Lonhro).
The colt is one of two named foals out of the stakes-placed mare Lipari (Redoute’s Choice), making him a half-brother to one winner, while his second dam is the 2002 Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Tully Thunder (Thunder Gulch).
His third dam is the Group Two winner Fleur De Chine (Centaine), while this is also the same family as Group Two winner Thunder Lady (Mastercraftsman), Group Three winner Irish Flame (Zed), stakes-winning and Group One-placed Zamzam (Redoute’s Choice), and Listed winner Sufficient (Zabeel).
Lipari was covered by More Than Ready (Southern Halo) last November having foaled a filly by Sebring (More Than Ready). She also has a Sepoy (Elusive Quality) colt who sold for $58,000 to Pacific Bloodstock from the draft of Widden Stud at the Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale earlier this year.