Swettenham Stud

As the gates opened at the top of the Flemington straight the heavens above opened up simultaneously, with horses running into strong gale force winds and driving rain.

However that wasn't enough to deter Bertonic, who raced towards the rear of the field for the majority of the way before latching onto the back of Beltrois at the 300m mark who took him into the race.

When Beltrois hit the front inside the final furlong, rider of Bertonic, Luke Nolen, peeled to the outside of Beltrois and gradually wore down any advantage the Rodd Griffiths galloper had.

Bertonic ($11-$13) defeated Beltrois ($10-$11-$8.50) by ½ head with Giotto ($21-$26) fighting on bravely down on the rails to cling onto third ahead of Ready To Please ($12-$14) who made steady ground down the outside.

Two runners, Sol Brillante ($8.50, 12th) and Folau ($91, last) raced down the grandstand side with little success.

Nolen said that today was the first time he had ridden Bertonic.

"Peter said he was very happy with the way the horse was working at home," Nolen said.

"I haven't actually ridden him at trackwork so this is the first time I've ridden him and I'd have to agree with him."

"He's been plagued by bad barriers last prep and if we got those good barriers he would have been winning however he was giving them too much of a start from those awkward barriers," Nolen added.

Nolen believes Bertonic has the potential to win more races in similar company.

"He's put the writing on the wall for a nice next prep if we place him well we might be able to get a picket fence next to his name," he said.

By Swettenham Stud sire Bianconi, Bertonic is the first foal from his dam Lady Madeleine.

Lady Madeleine won only one race however was placed an amazing seven times in Melbourne metropolitan company.

Bertonic has won twice from six career starts, now boasting prizemoney in excess of $86,000.