2013 Melbourne Cup Champion Fiorente has picked up precisely where he left off; producing an incredible final straight sprint to claim the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) first-up at Caulfield Racecourse today.

Fiorente has won the 2014 Peter Young Stakes first-up. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Having jumped fairly, Fiorente looked to have settled a little too comfortably within the pack and sat a full seven lengths off the leaders at the 800m mark.

Rounding the final bend, 2012 Melbourne Cup champion Green Moon put up the fight to Star Rolling, who had led the Peter Young Stakes field comfortably from the get-go, until Fiorente stormed up the outside to win by a nose and begin what is shaping as another memorable preparation in the best way possible.

Trainer Gai Waterhouse was happy to see such a strong performance from the talented Desert Bloom stallion first-up, likening the victory to the memorable Melbourne Cup triumph last November.

“I was very confident before this race” Waterhouse said immediately after the win.

“It was as though we were having the Melbourne Cup all over again.

“It’s nice to see when they’ve won a really major race, to be able to come back so well.

“He only won the race really in the last 75 metres, but the way he just strode out and got into a good rhythm; there’s plenty more for him to come.

“He’s a beautiful horse and they don’t often win first up over 1800 against a class field.”

Jockey Damien Oliver delivered a typically polished ride on Fiorente in the Peter Young Stakes and is confident of a successful run through the major Group 1 events on the 2014 autumn.

“He’s a star of the turf and a great horse to ride” Oliver said after dismounting.

“He’s what you dream of riding; he just does everything right for you and just has a great will to win.

“Gai doesn’t have to do a lot with him on the track between races – just keep him ticking over and keep him happy and he performs on race day.

“He couldn’t have come back better today. Hopefully he can keep it up till the Australian cup and then hopefully onto Sydney.”

Despite jumping as the undoubted market mover in Peter Young Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, Mick Price-trained Pakal was unable to find top gear in the final straight and finished two lengths off the pace in sixth.

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2014 Peter Young Stakes Results