Distill Leads NZB Trifecta in G1 Levin Classic

It was the Roydon Bergerson trained Distill that had the final say in the $250,000 Group 1 Levin Racing Club Levin Classic (1600m) at Otaki this evening, heading a New Zealand Bloodstock trifecta in the feature.

Ridden by jockey Robert Hannam, Distill (NZ) (Volksraad x Fairy Tipsy) came from the back of the field and, in a stunning late charge, took over the running from fellow Karaka graduates Randall (Howbaddouwantit) and Antonio Lombardo (Pins) just short of the post to win his first black-type race by one-and-a-quarter-lengths.

Distill was unplaced in his first two starts this season in the Group 2 Hawke's Bay Guineas and the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Wellington Guineas but put in a very good trial on the track on November 17 with Robert Hannam in the saddle.

"We have been taking our time with the horse," said Bergerson. "He came into the race after a strong trial and he just needed a dry track and we got that today."

"We have had him aimed at this race for some time and I have been unlucky in it in the past so it's great to finally win it."

"He is a horse that will enjoy the extra distance and the Derby looks the ideal race for him."

Racing as a two-year-old Distill won his debut at Taranaki before running third behind Antonio Lombardo in the Group 3 Waikato Stud 2YO Classic (1200m). His two further starts as a two-year-old included a brave fourth in the Group 1 Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie behind Anabandana (Anabaa).

Bred by Windsor Park Stud, Distill is by the stud's eight-time New Zealand Champion Sire Volksraad who is now the sire of 57 stakes winners, 14 at Group 1 level including Sir Slick, Veloce Bella, Velocitea and Military Move.

Raced by Y K Wong, Distill is a half-brother to the stakes winner and Group 1 placed Mr Tipsy (Montjeu) and was offered by Windsor Park Stud at the 2010 Karaka Select Sale. He is the third Group 1 winner for the Karaka Select Sale this season.

Catalogues for the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale will be online next Monday 28 November, with the Karaka Select and Festival catalogues available on Tuesday. For more information please visit www.nzb.co.nz.