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It is not often that the trainer of the winner is caught unawares by his charge's performance, or that the jockey issues the instructions but such was the case in the Listed Sophomore Stakes (1200m) at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Soweto Slew (AUS) had a hard two year old season with seven starts and appeared to be a 1000m specialist. The colt by Oratorio out of the one time winner Rose A Slew(USA) was unfancied in the betting, with the Grade 3 winner Depardieu being the short priced favourite.

Soweto Slew, who is known for his front running tactics, jumped best and lead for a couple of strides, before jockey Richard Fourie managed to get a hold and tucked him in. Made of Steel took up the lead, followed by Accellero and the filly, Super Elegant. The favourite, Depardieu, sat at the tail of the field.

Coming to the 400m mark, Fourie eased the reins a notch and Soweto Slew drew clear of the field, with Super Elegant in hot pursuit. Depardieu made his run up the outside, but once the Dupont colt hit the front, his long layoff started to tell as he cried enough under jockey Karel Nesius.

Soweto Slew kept on running all the way to the line, finishing 1.25 lengths ahead of Super Elegant, with Great Fox a further 1.25 lengths. Depardieu crossed the line in fourth.

Jonathan Snaith deputising for his brother Justin, commented that the win was very unexpected.

“I eased him forward at the 400m and he ran right through to the 200m. From there on they had to come and catch me” commented jockey Richard Fourie.

Soweto Slew was consigned by Crowingstone as agent at the 2010 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and was purchased for $80 000 by James Bester Bloodstock for owner Hassan Adams. The colt has now recorded three wins and two places for nine starts.