Today’s feature race at Morphettville – the $300,000 Group 1 Malaysia Airlines SA Derby (2500m) had it all – excitement, drama, and a two-horse war between two greys at the finish.

In the end, dour stayer Pantani broke a near 20-year Group 1 drought for trainer Robbie Laing to just hold out another grey Silver Baron for trainer John Hawkes.

The minor prizes were just as close, with 100/1 shot Lester Thunderwing grabbing third just ahead of locals Sadler Joh and Seaview Road.

"I’ve always felt he would make a good stayer and he’s finally broken through for a big-race win," a relieved Laing said after the judges decision was finally announced.

"In fact I was worried he needed a wet track and even further, but he just outstayed them."

Winning rider Danny Nikolic settled just off the pace early on but made his move before the turn, skipping clear at the top of the straight. Silver Baron edged closer with every bound but failed by the barest of margins on the line.

"He’s a one-paced stayer so I sent him for home fairly early on," Nikolic said. "I thought he’d just lasted."

Pantani had been set for the Derby after a strong second to Grey Song in the St Leger at Flemington last month.

"He was ridden a treat by Danny that day but Oliver’s ride on Grey Song was the difference," Laing said.

"My horse did all the hard work and just kept coming. He had improved since then so I knew he’d run the trip right out."

Laing’s last Group 1 winner was 19 years ago when Perfect Bliss won the Thousand Guineas in 1983.

He now hopes to win his second in a just over a week if the gelding back’s up in Monday week’s $400,000 Group 1 smoke-free Adelaide Cup (3200m).

"He’s not nominated but we’ll definitely look a paying the late entry fee now," Laing said.

"He’s just an out and out stayer and, so long as he pulls up well, I think he’d be suited by the trip."

Laing has until noon on Monday to pay the $11,000 fee.

The race was held up at the start after three horses – 4/1 chance Sheik Your Money and roughies Scarpia and Skyworks - were scratched at the barrier.

The fancied runners were abject failures, with 22/10 favourite Our Kazz finishing eighth and 4/1 second favourite Sircarn Damon finishing 11^th.

PICS - Jenny Barnes.