Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young’s reigning Australian Derby winner Tavago was back in the winners’ stall at Rosehill on Coolmore Classic Day running an ideal early Sydney Cup lead-up with success in the Sky High Stakes 2017.

The now four-year-old son of Tavistock proved his staying ability last Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival when scoring an upset at $41 odds in the Group 1 ATC Derby (2400m) defeating subsequent Caulfield Cup winner Jameka.

He was unplaced twice in a mediocre spring campaign before a first-up fifth behind superstar mare Winx in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m).

On Saturday Tavago relished getting out over more metres and the slow pace of the $350,000 Group 3 Sky High Stakes (2000m).

Best out of the barriers was the Gerald Ryan-trained Red Excitement who turned the race into a genuine staying test.

That benefited Tavago who was given a patient ride by Blake Shinn, the hoop knowing just how dour a stayer he had underneath him.

Red Excitement rolled along up front extending his lead to around six lengths by mid-race from the Crown Oaks winning filly Lasqueti Spirit.

Chris Waller’s hot favourite Antonio Giuseppe, also tracking towards a two mile Randwick run during ‘The Championships’ in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m), meanwhile was settled into third after moving up on the pace early.

With 1200m to go Red Excitement really eased back on the pace, while Tavago was travelling sweetly fifth on the rails.

The leader gave the field something to chase home getting right out, while Antonio Giuseppe was picking up nicely as they cornered.

The John O’Shea-trained Allergic gave his rivals a big start at the top of the straight, English hoop William Buick on the Street Cry five-year-old who travelled second last throughout.

Antonio Giuseppe got up to Red Excitement on the straight really laying the pressure on, but it was a fast-finishing Tavago on the inside who was running home the strongest.

The Derby winner went straight past them and drew clear to post a three length victory over the short-priced favourite Antonio Giuseppe, who will improve off the run, while Allergic ran on well from the back for third.

Back the Sky High Stakes winner Tavago in futures Sydney Cup 2017 betting online now at Ladbrokes.com.au to enjoy the best all-in Group 1 autumn racing odds.

2017 Sky High Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Rosehill Race 5 – 11/03/2017