Brother Mak Stamps Derby Claims In Melvista

Saturday, 10 April 2010 10:56

Powerfully built Zabeel gelding Brother Mak showcased his WATC Derby potential with a comfortable win in the $75,000 Schweppes Melvista Stakes (2200m).

Bought for NZ$200,000 at the Karaka yearling sales in 2008, Brother Mak was given a perfect run by big-race jockey Patrick Carbery in the Listed feature.

Brother Mak ($3) settled back in the field, trailing race favourite God Has Spoken, with Four Floors and Smart Twister setting the early pace.

As God Has Spoken made his move out wide nearing the turn, Carbery switched to the inside and picked apart a run through the middle of the field.

Zentrate, who was allowed to settle around midfield, surged past Four Floors to the lead, but Brother Mak emerged from the pack and cruised to the front to win by a neck.

Four Floors battled away gallantly to hold on for third. Maiden galloper Campobello ran home strongly from back in the field for fourth, while God Has Spoken hit the line fairly under the topweight of 57kg to run fifth.

Brother Mak now looms as the biggest threat to Bridgestone in the $500,000 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m) in a fortnight.

“He’s the real deal. Once he got out it as more a less all over. The Derby will be his real forte and I think he’ll be a real cups horse," trainer Wally Mitchell said.

“The penny’s just starting to drop with him. I thought he was doing it soft on the line," jockey Patrick Carbery said.