Punters post-race: Saturday racing in review, January 23 by James Lamb, Luke Sheehan & David Hocking Artorius dominated his rivals at Sandown Image: Getty
A Freedman-trained 2YO stole the show at Sandown, a Kiwi star enhanced her reputation even further, and we saw an all-time sick beat in Sydney. Star Performer
Levante in the Westbury Classic (Ellerslie R3)
Wins don t come much bigger than that of Levante s over the ditch at Ellerslie in the G2 Westbury Classic. The Ken Kelso-trained daughter of Proisir looked like she was in all sorts of bother at the 600m mark when dead-last in the 10-horse field, with plenty of lengths to make up and seemingly having hit a flat spot. But Collett then swung her out to the middle of the track upon straightening and asked Levante for the ultimate effort. It took a bit of riding to get her going but once she hit top gear the star Kiwi mare launched out of the ground to sweep past her rivals and score a surprisingly soft win
Racing: Levante set for big night at Karaka Million
3 Jan, 2021 09:00 AM
3 minutes to read
By: Michael Guerin
New Zealand s most exciting emerging race mare Levante will bypass the Telegraph at Trentham to add more glamour to Karaka Million night at Ellerslie. That sets up a potential clash with the country s most improved race mare in Showoroses.
The 4-year-olds provided some of the fireworks at Ellerslie s huge New Year s Day meeting, with Showoroses leading all the way in the $100,000 Rich Hill Mile, while Levante roared home from last for a stunning third in the Railway.
Co-trainer Ken Kelso confirmed Levante won t be heading south for the Telegraph.
Racing: Levante handed unlucky draw for Sistema Railway
29 Dec, 2020 07:03 AM
3 minutes to read
Barrier one would usually be considered a blessing over 1200m at Ellerslie but not on a mare who often misses the kick. Photo / Photosport
NZ Herald
It is not often a glamour horse draws one in a major sprint race and it actually costs them favouritism but that is the odd position Levante finds herself into heading into the $200,000 Sistema Railway at Ellerslie on Friday.
But at least the punters who back her are used to uncomfortable moments on their way to getting a collect.
Levante has been the hype horse of the summer since a spectacular comeback win at Pukekohe last month when she came from last to exploded past many of Friday s field.