Despite questions over his stamina breeding, Single Choice emerges as a bona fide contender to provide Matt Cumani with his initial Group One in the South Australian Derby.

Foaled by sprint specialist Anders, Single Choice displayed grit to outlast rivals in Saturday’s Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) at Caulfield.

The horse shortened early in markets but lengthened to depart at $5 third favourite, with Jamie Mott holding a forward spot just off the speed.

A muddled tempo gave way to openings, and Single Choice injected pace to hit the line 1-1/4 lengths clear of Arabian Prince ($3.70), while $2.90 market leader Amazake was repeatedly posted and unbalanced on the corner.

The Ballarat conditioner, who broke through for his maiden Group 2 Autumn Classic win this term, believes the evidence supports nominating for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) on May 2nd.

“I was very nervous about whether he’d get the trip, but he got a beautiful ride by Motty,” Cumani said.

“No speed early, but they went pretty solid from the 800 (metres) out, even earlier than that and he had to sustain a pretty hard run.

“But he’s got to be of that turn of foot and that’s really valuable for a horse that can get a bit of a trip.

“I think we’ve got to go to Adelaide off that. This race was a bit of a test to see if he might get a derby distance, and even though it might not have been a solid run 2400 throughout, I think it’s provided enough of a test to say that we can go there and give it a go.”

Jamie Mott commended Single Choice’s versatility, building on the sweeping run to Autumn Classic success two back.

“It was bit of a new scenario for him, and he adapted well, and I think if he takes his form today to the Derby, they’ll know he’s there for sure,” Mott said.

Check out reliable sports betting options and betting markets for the race at the South Australian Derby.