Flashy youngster Yourdeel produced a performance that had to be seen to be believed as he stormed home out wide to capture the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni.
The Jamie Richards-trained two-year-old had entered yesterday's race as a warm favourite following his gutsy win ona wet track in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie earlier in the month.
Shooting for a victory that would complete the set of Group One two-year-old events in New Zealand each season, the Dundeel gelding looked a forlorn hope at the top of the Awapuni straight as he spotted pacemaker First Rock a conservative eight lengths.
First Rock was still in front with 150m to run but the challengers were coming out wide with Yourdeel and Aretha leading the charge.
Rider Opie Bosson had Yourdeel in full flight at the 50m as he blazed past his rivals to score by just on a half-length with Aretha snatching second from a gallant Bella Mente who clung to third from Aalaalune.
"I was actually watching Equinox halfway down," Richards said referring to his other runner in the race.
"He [Yourdeel] has really stood up and raised the bar this season hasn't he, he's quite an incredible horse.
"The way he worked on Tuesday, I didn't know if we were going to be here or not, but it was a great effort by the team at home and that man on top [Bosson], who is such an important part of our team."
