Enigmatic performer Overdrawn added a decent chunk of cash to his career bank account when he scored a narrow but deserved victory in the Sistema 1300 (1300m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The Tony Pike-trained runner hasn’t had the best of racing luck in the past, winning two of his 12 starts but on a number of occasions seemingly a victim of circumstances when beaten.

A last start victory at Ellerslie came after he stormed home to finish third at Hastings when first up in a new campaign that looks likely to be his best now he has added further maturity to his racing manners.

Jockey Matt Cartwright had the son of Shamexpress travelling sweetly in the trail throughout and when leader Lhasa snuck a break on his rivals he provided the perfect gap for Overdrawn to burst through and take the lead at the 200m.

Lhasa wasn’t giving in without a fight as the pair scrapped it out in the final stages with Overdrawn taking victory by a head at the post from Lhasa followed by Moving Melody and To Catch A Thief close up in third and fourth.

Pike was pleased to see his charge extend to take the victory as he progresses his way through the grades.

“It’s nice to see him put two together the way he has as he seems to have come back a much stronger horse in this prep,” Pike said.

“He wasn’t helped a lot by barrier draws during his three-year-old season but this time he could go to a new level if he can continue to improve.

“It was a lovely ride by Matt, but it was also good to see the horse knuckle down and fight as the leader (Lhasa) had them off the bit when he shot away and our guy has managed to grind him down.

“He has now won a rating65 and a rating75 in successive starts, but as he stays in the same grade from this win he will line-up here again in a rating75 1400m on Melbourne Cup Day and try for three wins in a row at headquarters.

Purchased by Pike for $150,000 out of the Windsor Park Stud draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in 2022, Overdrawn is out of Max It Out, a three race winner in Australia and from a female line that includes multiple Group One winner and now successful stallion Preferment.