Xcited returned to winning ways in good style at Orange on Sunday with a hard-fought victory.
The Gerry Harvey-bred son of Savabeel enjoyed a good run in fourth spot off the fence and the Bjorn Baker-trained four-year-old came on generously in the straight under the urgings of Ashley Morgan.
“It was a good, determined win and Ash rode him a treat,” stable representative Glen Lobb said.
“He has to be held up for as long as you can and he also travelled a lot better. Wet or dry, it doesn’t seem to bother him and the 2100 metres suited him.”
Xcited has now won three times from nine appearances and the Warwick Farm operation was relieved to see the gelding bounce back to his best.
“He has been a bit disappointing this time, but hopefully this sets him on his way and he goes on with it,” Lobb said.
Xcited was offered by Westbury Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale and he was knocked down to Baker for $200,000.
He is a half-brother to the Listed Macau Derby winner Sacred Man with their dam the Encosta De Lago mare Love And Kisses, who was successful on two occasions and was a multiple black type placegetter, including a third in the G1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
Leading Victorian trainer Mick Price purchased Xcited’s half-brother by El Roca for $75,000 at Karaka earlier this year and Love And Kisses has a yearling filly by Telperion.