Cambridge-trained Daytona Red produced an impressive win when taking out the Listed Yealands Family Wines New Zealand St Leger (2500m) at Trentham on Saturday.
The son of Sebring, who is trained by Shaun Ritchie, Daytona Red beat the race favourite Felaar in a gallant effort in the St Leger and there is discussion around what premier distance races he will feature in next season.
“He was certainly impressive today and there is a lot of improvement to come from him,” Ritchie said.
Ritchie will decide on Daytona Red’s immediate future after he has consulted with co-owner Peter Mitchell, whose colours were carried to many victories by the legendary Bonecrusher.
“The initial plan though was to give him a break and then get him back during winter to build up for some of the spring and summer cups,” Ritchie said. “We’ll wait and see how he is when he gets home,” he added.
Daytona Red and Jockey, Matthew Cameron, settled at the end of the field before they began to pick up ground and make their move 600m from the finish post.
At the home straight turn, they went wide and made their move. Managing to hold off race favourite, Felaar to win by two and three-quarter lengths.