Gentleman Malaguerra ready to strike again

Written by Paul Vettise

Time has mellowed the talented sprinter Malaguerra (Magnus) who can end a lengthy barren spell at Moonee Valley on Friday night when he returns to the scene of his last winning strike.

Two years ago, the talented sprinter posted his last win when he accounted for Black Heart Bart (Blackfriars) in the G2 Australia S. following a fifth placing in the G1 Winterbottom S. at Ascot. Trainer Peter Gelagotis has followed the same path this time around.

Malaguerra, who has spent a lengthy period on the side-lines between Moonee Valley appearances, headed to Perth off the back of an unplaced resuming run and a trial outing at Cranbourne.

“I thought his run in the Winterbottom was outstanding,” Gelagotis said.

“He was a bit ring rusty really and it got his eye back in and he’s done everything right since then.

“He’s got a good grounding with a couple of starts and his fitness levels are where we want them to be.”

Malaguerra has had a spring in his step since returning to his Victorian base.

“His gallops have been well above average to fit him for this level of competition. All he needs now is a bit of luck in the running,” Gelagotis said.

Malaguerra began his racing career with Lee Freedman and won nine of his 19 starts, including the G1 BTC Cup and the G3 Kingdom S., before relocating in 2016 to his current quarters.

“He was a bit quirky early on, but he’s really settled now and he’s a gentleman,” Gelagotis said. “A lovely horse and early days it was a fine line keeping his mental space right.

“He was a good horse with Lee and every bit as good for me stepping up to carnival level.

“Have I improved him? I don’t think so, have I maintained him at a level? I think so. He’s had a couple of niggling issues and some barrier draws haven’t helped.”

Malaguerra produced his finest performance for Gelagotis when he triumphed in the G1 Darley Classic at Flemington.

“He’s a dual Group 1 winner, find me another one,” he said.

Derby winner thriving

Gelagotis may have answered that himself with his G1 Australian Derby winner Levendi (Pierro) making good progress toward a return to competition.

He hasn’t raced since he won the Randwick age group feature, subsequently undergoing surgery on both knees to remove bone chips.

While he could have been ready for a spring campaign, the stable decided to take a longer, slower approach with their sights set on the autumn.

“He had his first jump-out on Tuesday morning and he passed with flying colours,” Gelagotis said.

“We’re looking forward to getting him back to the races in about three weeks’ time.

“The Apollo S. will be the kick-off race, we’re pretty much 100 per cent sure on that.”

That will present a clash with the glamour mare Winx (Street Cry {IRE}) at Randwick, but the race is seen as a means to an end with the G1 Chipping Norton S. to follow and then a decision to make on a start in either the G1 Ranvet S. or the G1 Queen Elizabeth S.

Stallion potential

Levendi has won five of his 10 starts and as an entire there is the obvious drawcard of a stallion career ahead of the 4-year-old.

A $140,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, he is out of the black type performer Lipari (Redoute’s Choice) whose three foals to race have all been successful and includes the G3 National S. winner Marcel From Madrid (Sepoy).

The dam is a daughter of the G1 Australasian Oaks winner Tully Thunder (Thunder Gulch {USA}) and the family of the G2 Wakeful S. winner and G1 VRC Oaks runner-up Thunder Lady (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {IRE}).

The pedigree also features Spurcent (Flying Spur), who produced the G1 Hong Kong Mile winner Glorious Days (Hussonet).