THE instincts of trainer Peter Gelagotis were proved correct at Flemington on Tuesday when his lightly raced stayer Module won the $150,000 Bagot Handicap, reports The Age. Moe-based Gelagotis, who bought Module 18 months ago from Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams, always had designs on the seven-year-old as he was certain he had the potential to cope with the Flemington 2500 metres. His instincts were well founded with Module coming with a powerful burst in the closing stages to defeat
THE instincts of trainer Peter Gelagotis were proved correct at Flemington on Tuesday when his lightly raced stayer Module won the $150,000 Bagot Handicap, reports The Age.
Moe-based Gelagotis, who bought Module 18 months ago from Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams, always had designs on the seven-year-old as he was certain he had the potential to cope with the Flemington 2500 metres.
His instincts were well founded with Module coming with a powerful burst in the closing stages to defeat some of the state's more seasoned stayers.
''I always had that feeling in the back of my mind that he would have the ability to get up to the distance, so I thought this race would be ideal,'' he said. ''It was an added bonus as Craig [Newitt] rang me hours after his last run [fourth on December 22 at Flemington] to be on him. He obviously showed Craig that this race was well and truly in his grasp so that built up our confidence quite a bit.''
The country stayer had some support in the market, firming from $18 into $15 late in betting, and proved too strong for Crafty Cruiser ($8.50), with King Diamond $7.50 finishing third.
Boosting Gelagotis' elation with Module's win was the fact the horse had overcome several physical problems during his preparation.