A gear change brought about a positive result for wayward galloper Elvis who posted his maiden win at Ararat.
Trainer Vincent Malady replaced a cross-over noseband with visors on the three-year-old who finished too strongly for his rivals in Friday’s Programmed Maiden (1106m).
“He’s been very green and erratic in his races and today was the first time he had gone straight,” trainer Vincent Malady said.
“He has been a work in progress but he’s a promising horse and has shown enough to suggest that he will win more races.”
Mitch Aitken has ridden Elvis at his three starts this campaign and was prepared for the gelding’s propensity to over-race.
After settling midfield, he allowed the son of Frosted to improve to just off the pace on the home turn, and early in the straight he loomed as the danger.
Well supported at $4.60, Elvis surged to the lead in the closing stages to score a three-quarter length victory over favourite Dakota Elegance ($2.40) and Mr Jones ($2.80).
Bred and owned by Hirsch Racing, Elvis is from the Lonhro mare Obsequious, whose three wins included the Gr2 Light Fingers Stakes and Gr3 San Domenico Stakes.
Notably, Elvis is a full brother to Ingratiating, winner of four stakes races including the Gr2 Vain Strakes and Gr3 Bletchingly Stakes.