Brilliant Debut Winner for Pierro

Golden Slipper winner Pierro sired a brilliant debut winner at Ballarat on Sunday with an eye-catching display from Levendi (2c Pierro x Lipari, Redoute's Choice).

Trained by Peter Gelagotis, Levendi was well fancied on debut and ran accordingly, dashing away to win the 1200 metre maiden by nearly three lengths.

“He’s a classy colt,” stable representative Manny Gelagotis told Racing.com.

“He trialled exceptionally well at Cranbourne and presented like a professional today.

“He’s a horse that keeps improving and he’s got a massive future. He’s a high-class horse in the making and I think we will see a really good colt in the spring.”

Levendi mustered speed from the gates for Ben Melham to sit just behind the leader and then found another gear over the final furlong to open up a clear lead on his rivals.

“He’s a really nice horse with a good nature and a beautiful action. He’s got really good raw ability and a very promising future,” Melham commented.

A $140,000 Magic Millions purchase for Manny Gelagotis from the Widden Stud draft, Levendi was bred by long time Widden client Robert Anderson and is the second winner for stakes-placed Redoute’s Choice mare Lipari, a daughter of Group I winner Tully Thunder.

Levendi is the fourth winner for Pierro, who is the leading Australian first season sire by earnings and will have a great chance in the Group I BRC JJ Atkins Stakes next Saturday with classy colt Pierata (2c Pierro x November Flight, by Flying Spur).

An impressive winner at Randwick in April and a fast finishing third in the Group II BRC Sires Produce Stakes on May 27, Pierata is trained by astute Warwick Farm horseman Greg Hickman who is no stranger to Group I success.