Alvitas puts injury behind him

OWNER Glenn Makauskas and his family were thrilled to see their talented galloper Alvitas return to the winner’s list at the Gold Coast this afternoon at his second run back from an enforced lay-off.
Makauskas races the five-year-old with his wife Cherie, parents Alex and Pam and sister Shayne Gall and her husband Chris. The Makauskas family has been involved in racing for many years and one of their best performers was the former crack sprinter Rendoo.
Alvitas was formerly with the Gerald Ryan stable but is now with Gold Coast trainer Kent Fleming after returning from leg troubles which kept him sidelined for almost a year.
“He did a suspensory (ligament) in his off-foreleg and it’s great to see him back racing -  and winning,’’ said Glenn.
“I think he’s a class act, this horse. He’s got a lovely stride on him and I think he’s going to be well up to city class. He’s a half-brother to Roma Giaconda who ran third in last year’s VRC Oaks.’’
Alvitas, a five-year-old son of Snitzel out of the Peintre Celebre mare Gypsy Giaconda, was having only his eighth start in today’s Smiths Snackvend C,G&E Class 1 Hcp (1400m). His one previous win was a four-length demolition of a Maiden field at Eagle Farm just over 12 months ago.
Sent out the $1.70 favourite today, Alvitas settled in fourth spot and sprinted quickly in the straight under his 59kg to beat Birds Of Song ($7) by 2-1/4 lengths. Hush Power ($3) had a tough run and battled on very well for third a short neck away.
Story: Neil Archer
Photo: Trackside Photography Pty Ltd