John Singleton's promising homebred Redoute's Choice colt The Elanora made it two wins from four starts with a maiden stakes success in Saturday's N.Z Bloodstock NJC Spring Stakes (1600m).
Ridden by Tommy Berry, The Elanora enjoyed the run of the race, third on the fence, before being gifted a rails run in the straight.
He did not do the sponsors any favour when repelling the challenge of the Savabeel gelding High Supremacy by a half-length with the Spill The Beans colt Ellsberg two and a quarter lengths back in third.
"It was a masterstroke from Chris bringing this colt from 1800 metres back to the mile as I knew he would be fit at the end," Berry told AAPs Mandy Cottell.
"I think that was the difference in the end. Nash's horse got to me, but my colt picked up and was strong to the line.
"He's a lovely colt and has a Group win next to his name now.
"He could be a Derby horse because he is that relaxed, and he was strong at the end of that race."
Chris Waller's stable representative Charlie Duckworth said The Elanora is a different horse with blinkers.
"When he won at the provincials first up we thought he might be mentally a bit behind the others," Duckworth said.
"Then the blinkers went on, and he has continued to take the necessary steps, and today is the cherry on top for his spring preparation.
"He is a very exciting colt."
Bred by Singleton's Strawberry Hill Stud, The Elanora is the second winner from as many foals out of the More Than Ready (USA) mare Yesterjoy.
A three-quarter sister to the champion More Joyous and Group III winner War, Yesterjoy is out of 4-time Group 1 winner Tuesday Joy (Carnegie).
Yesterjoy has a yearling filly by Lonhro and foaled a Pierro colt on November 3.
The Elanora becomes the 176th stakes-winner for the deceased breed-shaper Redoute’s Choice.
