Sacred Elixir resumes with stellar Guineas Prelude win
LAST start Group 1 J.J. Atkins winner Sacred Elixir added to its impressive resume with a win in the Group 2 Caulfield Guineas Prelude at Caulfield.
The Tony Pike-trained three-year-old was the class gelding during the Brisbane winter carnival in June and it showed it’s a legitimate Group 1 Caulfield Guineas prospect next month.
Pike is confident ahead of the Caulfield Guineas and Sacred Elixir even holds a nomination for the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
“It was a pleasant surprise. It has class on its side, that probably helped,” Pike said.
“At least he’s had a good look around Caulfield. He’s going to be competitive (in the Caulfield Guineas) based on today’s run.
“He’s nominated for the Cox Plate. He’s probably have to be dominant in the Caulfield Guineas to be a chance in that.”
Damian Lane rode the son of Pour Moi for the first time on Saturday and he believes it’s a gelding with plenty more wins in store.
“He was terrific, settled beautifully for me,” Lane said. “He’s a lightly-race horse with bigger and better things ahead of him.
“Have to thank Tony and the boys that work with him to give me the opportunity to jump aboard.”
Fellow Kiwi runner Saracino jumped as the favourite at $4 with Sportsbet, but Sacred Elixir paid $8.70 for the win and each way punters secured a great price for the group one winner.
Revolving Door looked the winner halfway down the straight and held on well for second ($4.10) with Wazzenme battling on well for third at $3.10.
Saracino didn’t have much luck in behind runners and it will likely head to the Caulfield Guineas with plenty of support.