Karaka graduate Solzhenitsyn led home a New Zealand bred trifecta in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1600m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Solzhenitsyn (5g St Petersburg – Tri Victory by Victory Dance) went straight to the lead and maintained his front running position when challenged by G1 winner Gathering (Tale of the Cat) at the 800 metres.  He held a winning margin to the straight to score by a length over the late Kiwi-bred closers Firebolt (Stravinsky) and Ginga Dude (Istidaad).

It brought up back-to-back wins at Doomben for the Robert Heathcote trained gelding after a 1350m victory on May 12.

Solzhenitsyn raced nine times in New Zealand for three wins and three placings and ran third to subsequent stakes winner Fazzle (Johar) at his last NZ appearance at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day in 2011.

Bred and sold by Grande Vue Lodge, Solzhenitsyn made $10,000 at the 2007 NZ Bloodstock National Weanling Sale when purchased by Paul Willetts.  He has now won 8 of his 20 starts for over $300,000 in stakes.

Solzhenitsyn is the only live foal from his dam Tri Victory who retired a maiden after 14 starts.  The dam is a half-sister to Ellerslie winner Anden (Magic of Sydney) and the dam of Melbourne winner  Zabisco (Zabeel).