News

Gelagotis bullish about Derby hopeful Hvasstan

30th Oct 2012

Sydney Morning Herald - Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Moe trainer Peter Gelagotis goes into this Saturday's Victoria Derby brimming with confidence after his contender Hvasstan produced what the trainer described as "top quality" work in his final preparatory gallop this morning.

The three-year-old took to the provincial circuit at first light and breezed past his work companion in the style that left the trainer, his brother and partner Manny, and a sizeable contingent of Moe locals dreaming of glory at Flemington on Saturday.

"I'd say he can't really work any better than that. He worked through his paces and breezed up in good time.

"To be honest that's probably the best he's ever, ever worked. I hope that's not a bad sign, as he's normally pretty lazy and laid back. There's no point getting carried away but you couldn't as for him to do much more."

Hvasstan (pictured as yearling) has proved himself to be one of the more progressive staying three-year-olds this spring and put himself right in the Derby picture with a strong win in Caulfield's Norman Robinson Stakes, one of the main Derby lead-in races.

Although by top sprinter Fastnet Rock, the Gelagotis brothers are confident their horse will get the demanding 2500 metre trip.