In a thrilling finish to the Ryder Stakes, race favourite Itza Charmdeel got in the deciding stride at the post to claim the two-year-old feature at Ōtaki.
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained horse went into the 1200m race yesterday as an impressive last-start winner at Rotorua and attracted strong support to close off as the $2.70 Fixed Odds favourite.
Jockey Sam Weatherley found himself squeezed out of a gap at the home turn when attempting to lodge his finishing burst. Weatherley balanced the horse as he sought better going out wide and he charged after eventual runner-up Quirky Habits and Medatsu, who were fighting out the finish.
With a couple of large bounds, Itza Charmdeel thrust his head in front where it mattered to the delight of his large band of owners who were on course to celebrate the victory.
Wellwood admitted he was thankful to see hear judge Dick Hunt announce his charge as the winner after some lengthy deliberations.