Tavi Time rewarded Kris Lees’ patience with a perfectly timed Boxing Day victory, claiming a second Group 3 Summer Cup to give the stable a valuable racecard double.
The six-year-old gelding had endured a winless stretch throughout much of 2025, but returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since his success in the Listed Scone Cup (2000m) back in May.
“It has been frustrating this preparation,” Lees said.
“He is more than capable on his day but he got the right pressure up front and Dylan (Gibbons) bided his time to get the runs when they appeared. Good win.
“He’s a backmarker and you’ll have bad luck which happens in big races.”
Under 56kg, Tavi Time ($4.80) surged late to defeat Estadio Mestalla ($4.80), who conceded five kilograms and finished 1¼ lengths adrift.
The runner-up has now recorded three straight seconds, having also filled the bridesmaid role in both the The Gong (1600m) and The Ingham (1600m).
Gibbons said the gelding’s quirks were part of the package.
“He’s got that electric turn-of-foot and I did say to Kris that he can be lethargic early,” Dylan Gibbons said.
“He shot through and put a lengths on them but then wanted to reverse park and come back three-lengths.
He’s a bit tricky but on his day he can be electric.”
Lees had earlier opened his Boxing Day account when Power Of The Brave ($3.30) proved too strong in the Star Turn @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1000m).
Punters looking ahead to upcoming targets for Tavi Time can compare odds through the Australian betting sites list.