Elite Street made the incredible leap from first to Group 1 winner in five months by showcasing its rivals in the $ 1 million Winter Bottom Stakes at Ascot.
Dan Morton, the only international Group 1 coach in WA, celebrated his first Elite win on home soil after setting Elite Street for Perth’s first sprint.
Elite Street, one of the lowest rated horses in the field, defied its $ 31 offer and Barrier 12 thanks to a great ride from jockey Brad Rawiller.
It was an incredible high on his second week in WA after moving from Victoria.
Elite Street was its 25th Group 1 winner and fourth in WA. He won the first of his career on Niconero in the 2006 Kingston Town Classic at Ascot.
“I rode a horse for Lindsey Smith a Bendigo … and it was a bit of a shock the next day when he said, ‘Look Brad, I think there’s a great opportunity for you in Perth and basically give it a try for a couple of months, ”said Rawiller.
“I’ve always had a great time staying here and I immediately liked the idea.”
Rawiller celebrated with a Frankie Dettori-like star jump from Elite Street in the assembly yard.
“The winter bottom is one of the greatest sprint races in Australia. The chance to use it was huge and if you can deliver, even better,” said Rawiller.
Elite Street and Brad Rawiller win the Winter Bottom Stakes. Image: Western Racepix
The Street Boss Wallach pulled away in midfield and with three widths, but with cover, before starting a powerful sprint in the straight.
He grabbed the lead from Rock Magic 100m and held the fast-ending Celebrity Queen back to win by the neck.
Celebrity Queen ($ 13) was unlucky after being held up early in the straight for a clear race.
Rock Magic ($ 31), the 11-year-old wonder, came third in a winter bottom for the third time.
Trekking, which was sensationally immersed in the preference of 1.75 US dollars, started from 11th place, but could not count on fourth place.
Morton prepared Scenic Blast to win the 2009 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Lightning Stakes-Newmarket Handicap Double at Flemington.
The former jockey, who also won three interstate Group 1s with Scenic Shot, was overwhelmed with emotion after winning Elite Street.
He shared the triumph with his parents, former coaches Len and Annette, who own Elite Street with Robert and Ann Anderson from Anita Vale Stud.
“It’s pretty special,” said Dan Morton.
“I’m not trying to yell. Super proud of all my employees, they did a great job at the carnival and the team is going wonderfully.
“We somehow knew where we were. Every other year we probably don’t have a start in the race so we were lucky enough to take our place but he was a horse I thought had the ammo for it.
“Brad rode him perfectly. He took cover three times and came to the corner. I thought gosh, it’ll take a good one to get past him. “
