Derby nominated 3YO Peloton (Charm Spirit) proved too strong for his older rivals when winning the Lodge Property Management Handicap over 1500m at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Peloton was backing up from his run at Ellerslie the previous week behind fellow first-crop Charm Spirit three year old Scorpz in the 2100m Listed 3YO Salver.

Returning to the scene of his maiden victory at Te Rapa in September, Peloton strode to the lead from the outset and maintained a strong gallop to win the 1500m event comfortably by 1.3 lengths.

Peloton is raced by a group of owner/breeders that includes his trainer Andrew Campbell who holds the three-year-old in high regard.

“He came through the win in terrific order and is bouncing around like a two-year-old,” Campbell said.

“We always thought he was a Derby horse and he won well enough to carry on with so we thought we will try him one more time over ground.

“He might not stay but I am pretty confident he will”.

Peloton continues the tremendous run for his young sire Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit) who has already sired four individual first crop three year old Group winners this season.

Charm Spirit has 25 yearlings catalogued to go under the hammer next month at the NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sale series at Karaka.