It was a happy homecoming for Lloyd Kennewell and Jamie Kah as Extreme Choice gelding Meridius broke a year-long drought in the Listed Quayclean C S Hayes Memorial Cup (1600m) at Morphettville.

Travelling sweetly midfield for Jamie Kah, Meridius tracked into a challenging position on the turn. The last to come off the bridle, Meridius needed little more than a shake of the reins to defeat the well-supported Thirsty Guest by three-quarters of a length.

Runner-up to Aft Cabin in the Group III Caulfield Guineas Prelude at three, Meridius was regarded highly enough to contest the Group I Caulfield Guineas and Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes and while he did not place in either, he’s always had above average ability.

Jamie Kah rode the son of Extreme Choice when he broke his maiden at his second start at Sale and has now partnered him to his first stakes win.
Now training in partnership with Lucy Yeomans, Lloyd Kennewell said Meridius has been racing well with little luck.

“He has been a nice horse to us over the years and had little luck at the Gold Coast (third in the Magic Millions Rising Stars Plate),” Kennewell said.

“He got a 13 out of 10 by Jamie. We always thought a lot of him. He ran second in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and was beaten a length and a half in the Caulfield Guineas.

“It’s good to see him in the winner’s circle for a great bunch of owners.”

Meridius advances his record to three wins, three seconds, and two thirds from 17 starts with earnings of $478,640.

A $170,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale purchase for Kennewell Racing/Group 1 Bloodstock from the Grandview draft, Meridius is the first foal from Jardine, a placed Stryker mare, whose third dam is blue hen Shantha’s Choice.

Jardine was covered by Tiger Of Malay last spring after losing her filly foal by the son of Extreme Choice.

Meridius is the 12th stakes-winner for Newgate Farm’s exceptional sire Extreme Choice, who has 11 entries for Inglis Easter.