Talented Ustinov galloper Use The Lot is Adelaide Cup bound after an outstanding first up victory at Caulfield.

Having his first run since a close-up fourth in the Ballarat Cup in November, the Sharna Valli trained four-year-old resumed in the Roy Higgins & Wylie Dalziel Hcp (1800m) on January 25 and proved a class above his rivals to salute by a length.

The style of his victory was impressive enough – the gelding looming up at the turn and finishing off strongly – but all the more so considering he missed a lead-up trial due to the heat.  “I thought he would run a good race but I didn’t think he would win,” Valli admitted.  “I thought it would be too short for him.”

Use The Lot impressed rider Jye McNeil who was aboard for the first time.   “He surprised me,” McNeil said.  “He’s a horse is really going places.”

Valli was pleasantly surprised when the gelding pulled up like he didn’t even have a run.  “He felt like he was ready to go around again and was bucking around in his paddock!”

Use The Lot (4g Ustinov – Chancelot by Umatilla) races at Caulfield this Saturday and the Moonee Valley Night Cup will be another stepping stone to the Adelaide Cup on March 10.   “He is a bit of a smart-arse but not in a nasty way,” Valli joked.  “He just thinks he knows more than everyone else!”

Ustinov is a son of champions Seeking The Gold and Let’s Elope and he is based at Moorookyle Park which is just 15 minutes from Daylesford.  Owner Nioka Wozny also stands Widden Valley (Anabaa) and Rockaroundtheclock (Fastnet Rock).