White Robe Lodge stallion Gallant Guru opened his account as a stallion with a winning double at Wingatui on Melbourne Cup day.

First to salute was three-year-old gelding Gold Leaf (NZ) who overcame a slow start and greenness to win on debut by two-lengths over 1200m.  He is the second foal from winning Rodrigo de Triano mare Ciao.  She is a half-sister to stakes producing mare Battocchi (Success Express).

Later in the day, Ortem Fire (NZ) broke through after placings at her first two starts.   The three-year-old filly unwound a strong finish to put her rivals away by one and three-quarter lengths.  She is a half-sister to last year’s Canterbury Gold Cup winner Inferno (Yamanin Vital).

White Robe Lodge proprietors Brian and Lorraine Anderton stand Gallant Guru for a $4,000 fee at their Mosgiel nursery in Otago.

Gallant Guru (Montjeu) won the G2 Sandown Classic and G3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and he will be represented by Lot 314 at next week’s NZB Ready To Run Sale.