Topweight Zelenski made light of his 58kg impost when he led all the way to win the Amberley Cup (1600m) at Riccarton yesterday.
The consistent 6-year-old son of Shocking had taken out the Waimate Cup (1600m) at Timaru on a good4 surface at his most recent start, and showed his versatility as he ploughed through the heavy10 track at southern headquarters to land the win for co-trainers Ken Rae and Krystal Williams.
Zelenski lobbed along in front for apprentice Kelsey Hannan, then started to lift the tempo with 600m to run as his main rivals looked to swoop into contention.
It was left to eventual runner-up Athene to provide the main competition to the winner as she went up alongside him at the 300m, but Zelenski found a kick to hold out his opposition as he won by half a length at the line.
Rae was thrilled with the win after lacking his usual confidence going into the race due to Zelenski’s less-than-stellar record on heavy tracks.