Import Sayedaty Sadaty enhanced his claims of gaining a Melbourne Cup start with a return to winning form in the $500,000 Bendigo Cup.
One of four runners for leading trainer Ciaron Maher, Sayedaty Sadaty responded to a ground-saving ride from Harry Coffey to land the Group 3 race.
Coffey navigated a course along the rail before easing Sayedaty Sadaty across the heels of the favourite Quietness to issue a challenge.
Sayedaty Sadaty went into the race precariously placed at 35th in the Melbourne Cup order of entry but his victory will make him eligible for a rehandicap that is likely to catapult the stayer into the field.
“We were confident that he could come here and really play a competitive role. He ran super. And we’ll see where he fits in on Tuesday,” Maher said.
Starting a $6.50 chance, Sayedaty Sadaty had a length to spare over Quietness ($3.30) with the outsider Raging Bull ($61) two lengths away third.
