Charlie Studd’s unwavering belief in Zedeedudadeeko proved on the money when they combined to take top honours in Saturday’s Great Northern Hurdles at Ellerslie. 

He went into the Schweppes-sponsored feature in high spirits off the back of a fourth placing seven days ago, although the Cambridge jockey’s optimism wasn’t entirely shared by Tauherenikau part-owner and trainer Jamie Phillips.

“The horse has had his ups and downs and ins and outs,” Phillips said. “He went a good race at Te Aroha and he needed it. Charlie was full of praise for the horse and he was the one who was super confident.”

One thing Phillips was certain of though was Zedeedudadeeko’s ability to cope with the testing going at Ellerslie.

“He ran second in the Parliamentary at Trentham and he was knee deep in mud that day, that’s the sort of conditions he likes. This is pretty special.”

Zedeedudadeeko travelled comfortably in midfield and edged closer when the pressure went on 1000 metres from home.

“He was pulling my arms off all the way,” Studd said. “He relaxed well and it all worked out beautifully.

“He’s some animal with some heart and he’s only had a handful of starts in the open grade. He’s still relatively inexperienced and he’s got a really nice future ahead of him.”

Zedeedudadeeko was in front before the final fence and he cruised clear to beat Stormin Norman by 10 lengths with Kipkeino taking third money.

The favourite and previously unbeaten hurdler Monarch Chimes went to the front on the final lap, but he was in trouble at the top of the straight and weakened to finish fourth with Raisafuasho grinding home to run fifth.