New Zealand-bred five-year-old Vespa caused a minor upset at Gloucester Park on Friday night when he started at $13.50 and charged home from last 700m from home to get up and snatch a neck victory over $17 chance Euphoric Moment in the 2536m In The Gig On Sky Racing Pace.
Vespa, a Mach Three gelding trained by Michael Young and driven by Emily Suvaljko, started from barrier four and raced at the rear in the field of eight before he flew home, out five wide to defeat Euphoric Moment, who sustained a powerful three-wide burst from the rear at the bell to hit the front in the final 50m.
Parmesan, the $1.34 favourite at his first appearance for three months, was untroubled to set the pace from the No. 1 barrier. But he wilted in the final stages to finish fourth.
Vespa, a winner of four races in New Zealand, has now had eight starts for Young in WA for three wins and two placings. Young completed a good weekend when he was successful with Medieval Man, driven by Gary Hall jnr, at Bunbury on Saturday night.
by Ken Casellas