Pellizotti bursts into spring contention

Dwayne Dunn believes royally-bred colt Pellizotti will mature into a Caulfield Guineas prospect after partnering him to victory in the $100,000 Dalrello Plate at Doomben on Monday.

While the winning margin was slim, Pellizotti found plenty under pressure after looking in doubt at the distance pole and Dunn is adamant the best is yet to come.

A $450,000 yearling purchase by Stratum out of the stakes-winning mare Red Labelle, Pellizotti is trained by Lee Freedman for Victorian businessman Peter Carrick.

Dunn gave Pellizotti the run of the race behind a break-neck speed and the colt dug deep to score a short neck win over Audacious Spirit with Startsmeup a short head back third.

Dunn said he thought Pellizotti could be his fifth Blue Diamond winner as a juvenile before immaturity took its toll.

"I thought he was my Blue Diamond horse early but unfortunately he went amiss and that's why he hasn't lived up to the expectations we had of him," Dunn said.

"We bought him up here to win a nice race and spell in the sunshine and get him back for the spring.

"I really thought he was the real deal early on he won nicely.

"We're hoping he will get to the mile and fingers crossed he can go on now and be very competitive in the Caulfield Guineas."

Earlier, favourite punters experienced some anxious moments before Sydney colt Silver Spur broke maiden ranks in the Sky Racing Plate (1350m).

Silver Spur was trapped behind a wall of horses in the straight before gutsy apprentice Daniel Ganderton drove him through a narrow opening close to the line to snatch a short neck win.

Ganderton said Silver Spur almost fell and told connections the Flying Spur three-year-old was set for a big future.

"He was lucky not to come down," Ganderton said.

"We were in a lot of strife in the straight but I just had to be patient because I knew he would really let down once he got clear running.

"He is going to be a very nice horse with time."

Barry Wintle, assistant trainer to Paul Messara, said Silver Spur would have his next run in the $100,000 Sunshine Coast Guineas (1600m) on July 3.