WELL-BRED three-year-old gelding Elegatano would only need to reproduce his debut effort on his home track at Spreyton late last month to emerge triumphant in the Finley Gleeson Maiden Plate over 1150 metres at Spreyton on Sunday.
On debut Elegatano was caught wide throughout but had the audacity to keep running on at the business end of the race over 1150 metres to finish only a neck behind the heavily backed favourite Ready If You Are.
Elegatano is by Savoire Vivre from top-producing broodmare Royal Egypt that produced With Decorum that was a multiple winner including the Devonport Cup with her record of eight wins and 13 minor placings from 31 starts testament to her ability.
Elegatano, prepared by Adam Trinder, has drawn barrier 13 which will have to be overcome by apprentice rider Boris Thornton but he back at the top of his game and should be able to find a way.
Other chances in the race are the John Blacker-trained Apple Green, Silver Burndini from the Barry Campbell stable along with his stablemate Questions that will be ridden by rising star apprentice Raquel Clark.
By Peter Staples.