Levendi too strong first-up at Mornington

Trainer Peter Gelagotis has Caulfield Guineas plans for Mornington winner Levendi.

Trainer Peter Gelagotis has his sights set on the Caulfield Guineas after Levendi made a triumphant return to racing at Mornington.

An impressive debut winner at Ballarat in June, Levendi was sent out the $2.40 favourite for his return run in the Fastrac Foodservice Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday.

The Caulfield Guineas Prelude on October 1 will be the Pierro colt’s lead-up to the Caulfield Guineas on October 14.

“We’re mindful we’ve got a Guineas horse and there’s probably a hundred others going the same way,” Gelagotis said.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves but we’re going to give him every opportunity of getting there.

“We took what we believe was the best possible placement for the horse today to excel and grow in confidence and I think under adverse circumstances he’s done the job.”

Places will be at a premium for a start in the Guineas Prelude and Gelagotis is hopeful following Wednesday’s win Levendi will have enough prize money to gain a start.

Gelagotis said if Levendi showed he’s not up to Guineas company then the stable would lower their sights.

“There’s still plenty of rich pickings during the spring,” he said.

Jockey Ben Melham said there was improvement to come from Levendi who wasn’t suited on the heavy track.

“Getting back to the races will do him the world of good,” Melham said.

“He’s heading to better races so there’s good improvement in him but he’s going to have to keep stepping up when they lift the bar.”