Jockey Shane Ellis admits that Talented Tony K has always been a sprinter and that is why he was given what could be considered a soft run in the 2014 Lotto Classic for the Governor’s Cup over 10 furlongs (2,000m).

Talented Tony K (

Traditional –

Ocean Liner) finished ninth by 19 lengths in the Prince Consort Stakes (Guineas Trial) over seven furlongs (1,400m) and then made one move to win the 2,000 Guineas over a mile (1600m) by seven lengths.In a different running style,

Talented Tony K did what he had to do to out battle

Relampago by a short head to win the two-turn Lotto Classic.Ellis said that patience and a well-timed ride enabled

Talented Tony K to get his head in front in the race dubbed ‘the poor man’s Derby’.“To be honest, the key to his (

Talented Tony K) victory was patience along with a very well-timed ride. Riding in races like these, a Cup race, you need to have patience and you have to know exactly what to do at the right time and at the right stage in the race.“I had to save him as much as possible and I made my move at the right time to slip rivals, and I knew that by the time they, the other horses, were ready to come, it would be a little too late,” Ellis said.Owned by Jigzy Blade, the speedy

Talented Tony K was smartly held into second position off the pace behind

Sparkling Michaela for most of the way.

Sparkling Michaela took the field onto the backstretch until

Talented Tony K challenged and took over the lead at the half-mile (800m) and began to slip away.

Talented Tony K opened up some five to six lengths in deep stretch, and although he began to shorten in the final furlong, he had done enough and held on for the victory.

Talented Tony K was then trained by Lorne Kirlew and ran 2:08.3 for the distance.“Excellent…it was an excellent performance by

Talented Tony K to win the Governor’s Cup. I mean, he ran a great race and I was proud of him as he showed spirit and determination.“The race was run as planned. I held him off the pace, made the winning move at the half-mile (800m). At that point I slipped the field and gave them too much work to do up the lane,” Ellis said.