Sacred Elixir shows class in Prelude win
New Zealand gelding Sacred Elixir has made an immediate impact in Melbourne, winning the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and his trainer is adamant he will only get better.
Last season’s Group One JJ Atkins Stakes winner in Brisbane, Sacred Elixir ($9) resumed in Saturday’s Group Three Caulfield Guineas Prelude and chased down Revolving Door ($17) to win by a long neck.
Wazzenme ($11) weaved through from back in the field to finish a head away third, just in front of Seaburge who made his run out wide.
New Zealand trainer Tony Pike considers Sacred Elixir’s win a bonus as he was concerned the 1400m was going to be too short in his first try around Caulfield.
“He’s a horse that’s only going to get a lot better once he gets over further,” Pike declared.
“Damian (Lane) gave him a peach of a ride. He got him out at the right time and gave him plenty of time to wind up into his top gear.
“It was a super result and he’ll only improve from here.
“His main target is the (Victoria) Derby, that’s what he’s bred to do. So to win over 1400 metres here at Caulfield, it’s a really pleasing effort first-up.
“It’s a bit of a surprise, but he’s got a lot of class on his side which probably helped. And just being fresh today, he travelled super.”
The win stamped Sacred Elixir’s Caulfield Guineas claims, with the 1600m Group One in two weeks his next target.
He is on the third line of betting behind Saturday’s Stan Fox Stakes quinella of Impending and Divine Prophet.
“At least he’s had a look around Caulfield now and the extra 200 metres is only going to help,” Pike said.
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