An emotional Peter Gelagotis still grieving over the passing of his father, Michael, earlier in the week, found the success of Hvasstan in the Norman Robinson Stakes secondry.

Hvasstan is raced by a syndicate with the Gelgotis family from Moe heavily involved, brother Manny bought the colt for $260,000, Peter is trainer and their late father, Michael, was proud to join his sons in the partnership to race, what has now become a genuine Derby aspirant.

The winner proved the better colt on the day, whilst it was a slogging finish, with little between the three placegetters; a humping duel at the top of the straight had no influence on the result, the better stayer won.

Punters were prepared to follow the Gai Waterhouse lead supporting Kabayan, he remained favourite throughout betting, easing slightly from his opening quote to finish at $3.10.

He was prominent for much of the trip in third place, when Nash Rawiller called upon him the intestinal fortitude was not there, he punctured noticeably.

The quality of our potentially staying three olds is beginning to wear a bit thin; there is not a lot of depth here at present, with Sydney not looking much better.

It’s A Dundeel, the unbeaten New Zealander, looks head and shoulders above the locals, his win in the Gloaming Stakes was full of merit, he appeals as the genuine stayer, with a stayer’s pedigree.

Hvasstan on the rails - Ridden by Glen Boss