Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have taken out their second Zedative Stakes in five years, thanks to a smart front-running ride from Ben Melham aboard Raikoke (+900), who led from start to finish in the Group 3 contest at Caulfield.
With the last three winners coming from the first two in running, Melham made sure that he pushed forward and held the front on his son of Written Tycoon, and that decision proved pivotal to the gelding winning the race.
The expected leader and race favourite, Brave Mead (+125), slightly missed the jump and was made to settle near the rear of the field before making a sweeping run around the home turn.
Both Brave Mead and Scully (+10000) took ground off the winner, with the latter picking his way through the field, but there was no catching the winner, as Raikoke went over the line in splendid isolation.
2024 Zedative Stakes Replay – Raikoke
Michael Kent Jnr represented the stable in the post-race interview, where he spoke highly of the winner.
“As soon as he won that (maiden), we said straight to the Zedative Stakes, for any horse to do that at their second start, it’s impressive,” Kent Jnr said.
“He rolled along, I thought every horse had their chance to catch him, he’s having start number two so a massive effort.
“He’s still immature this horse, he’s a bit touchy in the shins during the week so we go quite soft on him so to do that at his second start is a massive effort, very good.
“As always, nothing on race day but he’s won now so whether you aim at Sydney or something a bit brighter, a good problem to have.
“The other horse (Pivot City) was disappointing, I thought he’d go really well today, he’s a smart horse.”
Ben Melham brought up an early winner on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, with his big ride on Coleman in the feature still to come.
“He’s a big, strong, robust horse,” Melham said of Raikoke.
“It surprised me how well he jumped, he really got off to a flyer and found a beautiful rhythm at the top there and was able to control the tempo, never at any stage did I think he was going to get beaten.
“I was surprised he (Brave Mead) wasn’t up there eyeballing me, I’m not sure what happened to him, I just rode my bloke, real professional for a lightly raced horse and exciting to see what the future holds for him.
“I imagine he’d be better on tracks with a bit more give, too.
“He’s pretty dynamic and explosive at this point in time so, lightly raced, untapped, who knows what the ceiling is.”
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