by Mike Curry

Multiple group stakes winner Pasta Post scored his first career victory at the highest level with a half-length score in the $158,840 First Sovereign Trust Easter Handicap (NZ-G1) on Saturday at Ellerslie.

The Postponed gelding closed gamely in the straight from the far outside in the 18-horse field. Sent off as the favorite, Pasta Post outfinished Culminate, who raced just to his inside, and held off a determined bid from the far inside by runner-up Sterling Prince to prevail by a half-length.

Pasta Post completed 1,600 meters (7.95 furlongs) on turf rated as good in 1:33.02.

Sterling Prince was a half-length in front of Culminate while champion Sir Slick flattened out in the stretch and finished 12th.

Jockey Craig Grylls rated Pasta Post behind a fast pace as Fercertain, Culminate, and Mufhasa dueled for the early lead. Grylls angled Pasta Post wide leaving the turn and he accelerated into contention with an explosive turn of foot. Pasta Post gradually wore down Culminate but was fully extended to hold off Sterling Prince in the closing strides.

Graeme Sanders and Mark Sanders train Pasta Post for the partnership of Sapphire Bloodstock, G. F. Wade, and G. J. Williams. Pasta Post is out of the Cetaine mare Blue Heaven.

Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor