Size finds solace in Sapelli and Dispatcher wins

John Size didn't have a runner in the Derby, but the champion trainer took the next best prize with a double that included Sapelli's first Group victory in the Premier Plate (1,800m) and a maiden win for the promising Dispatcher.

Sapelli earned his spot in the Group Three event after graduating from Class One at his prior start and, with the rise in grade, Size's honest galloper made light work of his 113-pound impost after a heady ride by Eddie Lai Wai-ming.

'I think Sapelli has been so consistent that whenever he drops to the limit he's going to be a good chance of winning,' Size said. 'It was good for him to get up beside the favourite early in the straight, he's a very tough horse Sapelli, and is a great fighter in a finish.

'That's his strong suit, if he gets beside you, and eyeballs your horse, you're in trouble.'

Size turned to lightweight Lai to take the reins on the gelding after the majority of Sapelli's previous riders were unable to make the handicap weight, and the local rider made the most of his opportunity, swooping to the outside of race-favourite Mighty High upon straightening.

From there it was a toe-to-toe stoush to the line, with Sapelli finally prevailing by a short head as the weight took its toll on the brave John Moore-trained runner-up and odds-on favourite.

'John Size horses are always strong to the line, and the weights were in our favour so I was confident he would have enough to fight in the finish,' Lai said. 'I went early because I didn't want Mighty High to get away on us, and I was able to get past Jamesina before he could push us wide, so it all worked out well.'