The race wasn’t run the way trainer Jason Warren had planned but Pronto Pronto scored his first win since February with a tough start-to-finish display in the Listed Vintage Stakes (1410m) at Flemington today.

Pronto Pronto

Pronto Pronto scored a tough start-to-finish win in the Listed Vintage Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

The Snitzel three-year-old jumped keenly from barrier two which forced jockey Ben Melham to let him go despite an original plan to find cover early.

But it didn’t phase Pronto Pronto who led into the home turn and showed tremendous fight to hold off a strong challenge from the heavily backed Limes.

Warren has always rated Pronto Pronto highly and said he was “thrilled” that he was able to realise his potential in what was his fourth start of the spring.

“He’s always been a high class colt with a big attitude. He did well during the week and I was very confident coming here,” Warren said.

“Plans were to get cover early but the horse just landed in front.

“He got a chance to get into a rhythm and Ben obviously stole the race. It was a good effort…very thrilled.”

Melham said he had to quickly change plans after the three-year-old colt jumped eagerly and praised his ability to hang on in a tough finish.

“He’s a bit of an unruly horse. I wanted to get a bit of cover here today…he landed there under his own steam so I just let him go,” he said.

“He’s got a bit of a mind of his own, he wanted to lug out a bit in the straight but he kept fighting so it was a good win.”

Anthony Freedman-trained gelding Union Gap produced an eye-catching run to claim third spot after missing the start.

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