The Raconteur Stakes, along with the Grandstand Cup, one of two Listed races on the Ascot card, featured Lite’n In My Veins, prepared by master trainer, Fred Kersley.
The talented three-year-old was chasing his third win from as many starts after taking out the Group 3 Sir Ernest Lee Steere Classic (1400m) on debut last December.
But punters considered the son of Henrythenavigator a risk, an absence of 77 days, first up at 1500m and no trial were thought to be insurmountable hurdles.
After opening at $2 Lite’n In My Veins drifted out to $3.10 with most support coming for Showy Chloe, who started an even money favourite and Pushin’ Shapes, backed from $17 to $9.
But it was another Kersley, Brian, a nephew of Fred, who stole the race, courtesy of his progressive Fath gelding, All Gee.
All Gee was on a winning spree of three straight races after winning a Bunbury maiden in February, however, was friendless in betting, out to $11 from his opening quote of $7.50.
But he proved too good for his rivals including Showy Chloe, who with jockey, William Pike, layed down the challenge and tried valiantly to haul in All Gee over the final stages.
The margin between first and second was a long head with Cubitt And Cundy, the pacesetter, hanging for third, just ahead of Lite’n In My Veins, who was under pressure on straightening, but ran through the line well.
Kersley, who savoured his biggest success as a trainer since taking the reins at Lolola Farm last August, said All Gee was improving with each run.
“He is developing into a serious racehorse,” Kersley said.
“He is maturing mentally.”
In the Grandstand Cup (1500m), Wink And A Nod had plenty in her favour, but she responded by drawing away to post an easy win.
The McFlirt mare , giving Lucy Warwick the first leg of a riding double, defeated her nearest rival, Battle Hero by 3 1/4 lengths with Dream Lifter close behind in third.
Relishing a significant weight drop and appreciating the soft track conditions, the Justin Warwick-trained six-year-old justified warm favouritism.
Wink And A Nod burst through half-a-million dollars in prizemoney and claimed the fourth Listed win of her 31 start career.
Julio santarelli