Swerve has been a lengthy work in progress for Davina Waddell and the Group 1-winning trainer was rewarded at Te Rapa for her endeavour.
The six-year-old son of Swiss Ace left his Rating 65 rivals with no excuses on Saturday when he led all the way for the second victory of his career.
“He’s had back problems and a club foot and different other things and we’ve now got them sorted,” Waddell said.
Swerve has finished a solid second at Pukekohe at his previous appearance but was largely ignored in the market and sailed home at odds of 24 to one.
The gelding was quickly into stride from a wide barrier and showed enough pace to cross and make the running.
He slipped clear at the top of the straight and held a strong gallop to keep the chasers at bay.
Swerve is a son of the Not A Single Doubt mare Sweepstaking, who was successful on four occasions and a multiple stakes placegetter.
Her pedigree page features the two-time top-flight level winner Malaguerra with Aloha (Coolmore Classic) and Seabrook (Champagne Stakes) also Group 1 winners.
Swerve’s three-year-old half-sister by El Roca named Rocking has been a trial placegetter from Donna Logan’s stable while Sweepstaking also has a juvenile El Roca colt and is in foal to Redwood.