Renowned mudlark Kudeta gave the team from Classic Bloodstock Services plenty to cheer about when he cruised to victory at Sandown today.

Relishing the heavy track conditions, Kudeta cruised home for a soft win as a wall of horses tried in vain to chase – but they were no match for the winner.

Trainer Heath Conners said the Snowland gelding came into his own during the winter months.

“He’s a really honest horse and he loves these heavy track – a nine or ten (rating).”

“You go to the races and you know you can tell your owners to put a couple of dollars each way and you know he’s going to be competitive.” 

Conners said the classy type was much better suited today than at his last run when the Sandown meeting was switched to the synthetic track at Geelong.

“We went to the races the other day at Geelong – he tries his heart out but it’s too firm for him.”

“It’s good to see him back in the winner’s stall here today with Eddie (Cassar) on him.” 

“They get on very well and he’ll be sticking on for sure.” 

Conners paid tribute to Vern Rayner – a long time supporter of his family over many years.

“I’ve been in Melbourne for 12 years and he’s been with us that long and as soon as I got my licence seven years ago he stuck with me.”

“I get half a dozen horses of Vern every year and he gives me good quality horses.” 

The win gave seasoned Victorian rider Eddie Cassar a well deserved metropolitan success.

Cassar and Kudeta have teamed up on eight occasions with the outstanding record of five wins and two second placings.

“I wish they could all do that.”

Cassar said there was “nothing special” as to the reason why the pair have such a wonderful record together.

“I think I just get on him at the right time.”

“Heath seems to have him Mickey Mouse when I’ve been given the opportunity to ride him.”

“I’m just fortunate that he’s one of the few people who will leave me on them when they come to town.” 

Kudeta was purchased by Rayner, one of the country’s best value buying syndicators, for just $15,000 from the draft of Middlebrook Valley at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

His record now reads out at nine wins and nine minor placings from 35 starts and earnings of over $140,000.

By the former outstanding sprinter Snowland (Snippets), Kudeta is a lightly raced Puissance mare Cyanic.

Cyanic, who is from the top producing Rascolnik mare Delicious Blue, is a half sister to five stakes gallopers including Memphis Blues, Palatious and Evasion.

The Perth Cup and CB Cox Stakes winner Palatious is the dam of Group One winner Danelagh – she in turn the dam of globetrotting star Vengeance of Rain.