Reddivo has the $304,000 Jericho Cup in his sights after qualifying with an impressive victory at Mount Gambier.
The six-year-old posted his third career win in Sunday’s Quickmix Concrete BM75 Hcp (3150m) and is exempt from the ballot for the prestigious Warrnambool feature.
The Mount Gambier race is among nine qualifying heats leading up to the Jericho Cup (4600m) on December 1 and is the longest flat race in Australia.
Jockey Jessica Eaten rode a brave race on Reddivo, who was fourth at the winning post the first time and made her move at the 1400 metres.
In a gut-busting staying test, Reddivo took the lead passing the 800 metres and was 2-1/2 lengths clear on the home turn on a heavy track in the driving rain.
Under extreme pressure, Reddivo ($17) fought on determinably in the straight, holding off favourite Mr Lincoln ($2.80) to score in a photo finish, with Wuddzz ($3.20) 1-1/4 lengths away third.
“It was a huge win,” trainer Jamie Edwards said.
Reddivo excels in distance races and notably has weighed in at 10 of his 11 starts over 2400 metres and further, including three wins and four seconds.
“All he wants to do is stay and the distance of the Jericho shouldn’t worry him,” Jamie said.
“He will improve a lot, but he will need to if he is to be a threat in the Jericho.
“That race is still more than two months away and now that he is guaranteed a start we can pick and choose how we get there.”