Apprentice Ryan Elliot celebrated his recent red-hot run of form when he guided outsider Prince Jabeel to an upset victory in the Gr.3 Pencarrow Stud City of Auckland Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie yesterday.
Carrying the colours of breeder and part-owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the under-rated five-year-old hadn't figured in any pre-race discussions but proved he deserved his place in the staying feature as he fought off all challenges after taking the lead approaching the home bend.
The Savabeel gelding had the audacity to pull clear in the final few strides as Elliot's whip flourish sparked connections into some wild celebrations in the Ellerslie grandstand.
"It's amazing," Lindsay said. "We thought he had a chance, but gosh, he's just won easy, I can't believe it.
"We sent him over to Moira Murdoch's at the beach last week and it obviously works. I think I'd better go there for a week myself.
"That's the third stakes winner for the mare which is so exciting."