This Saturday Moe-based horseman Peter Gelagotis will saddle-up his 2018 ATC Derby-bound youngster Levendi for a maiden Sydney run in the Tulloch Stakes.

Australian Derby-bound Levendi makes his Sydney debut at Rosehill in Saturday’s Tulloch Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart.

The well-bred Pierro colt has had three runs this campaign for mixed results in Melbourne, including the dead last to Grunt at Flemington two back in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m).

Winner over that track and distance in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes from the spring, Levendi was quick to atone on March 16 under the lights at The Valley running a credible second to the impressive Darren Weir-trained winner Cliff’s Edge in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m).

After that big win, Weir backed Cliff’s Edge up in Sydney last Saturday with the horse contesting the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Golden Slipper Day.

Cliff’s Edge however failed to really impress the other way of racing and only managed to run three lengths back for fifth behind Chris Waller’s smart So You Think grey D’Argento.

Gelagotis however remains confident heading into the Group 2 $200,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at the same track and distance as the Rosehill Guineas this weekend on Tancred Stakes Day with Levendi.

“He’s going to the Tulloch Stakes,” Gelagotis, whose attention is also on Illustrious Lad contesting the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup Night this weekend, confirmed to Racing Victoria on Sunday.

“He’s come through that run super and we’re very excited because the form held up a little bit yesterday with Cliff’s Edge.

“My horses work the Sydney way all slow mornings but since the Alister Clark my bloke has been worked the Sydney way every day.

“He’s having his final gallop tomorrow, he’ll do another small piece of work on Thursday which will get him through to the race.”

Jockey Mark Zahra was aboard for the Alister Clark Stakes on Levendi and retains the ride this Saturday, Gelagotis hoping for a nice run from his youngster on way to the Group 1 $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) on the quick back-up at Royal Randwick on April 7.

The Tulloch Stakes – ATC Derby double was completed last Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival by Jon Snow (2017) who was the first winner of the latter out of the Tulloch since Starcraft also won both races back in 2004.

Current all-in Australian Derby odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Levendi at $26, a quote sure to shorten with a Tulloch Stakes win on the weekend.

The futures Australian Derby betting markets are led by Waller’s impressive Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento despite a possible plan to step him down in distance for the Group 1 $3 million Doncaster Mile (1600m).

Fellow Rosehill Guineas graduates Ace High ($6), Furore ($8) and Vin De Dance ($8) are the other key players for the mile and a half clash.

David Payne’s VRC Derby winner Ace High ran three lengths back sixth in the Group 1 last Saturday, while the previously undefeated Furore was promoted to third having won a protest over original runner-up, NZ Derby winner Vin De Dance.

To back Levendi this weekend and for access to the best ATC Derby 2018 odds head to Ladbrokes.com.au today.