Vardani on his way to winning the 2022 Werribee Cup. (Image: Racing Photos)

Jockey Declan Bates seized his opportunity with a smart ride on Vardani (Charm Spirit) to take out Sunday’s $125,000 Werribee Cup.

In a stop-start affair, Bates seized the initiative as the pace slackened by the side of the track, making a sustained run prior to the 600m which ultimately proved successful.

Vardani finished a length ahead of runner-up Adelaide Ace on the line, while Wertheimer closed off well for third.

“I’m lucky to get back on him at the right time on top of the ground, that’s key to him,” Bates said.

“It was a seriously good ride by Declan, when the pace just weakened in the middle of the race, he said, ‘Let’s go,’ and that was the winning move"' commented winning trainer Archie Alexander.

“He loves fast ground and there’s a lot of really good owners in this horse, probably too many to mention, but they know who they are, great stable supporters and great for OTI (Racing) to get a nice Cup.”

Vardani is a versatile son of European triple Gr.1 winning miler Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit) and he has now won 7 races from 1700m to 2500m.

The final southern hemisphere yearling crop by Charm Spirit will be offered at the NZ Bloodstock Yearling Sales Series at Karaka commencing January 29, 2023.