The unkindest cut for Matamata three-year-old Gaultier has brought instant rewards on the racetrack.

Gaultier came into the Group One Levin Classic at Trentham with one third placing from four starts, and he looked a slim chance taking on class horses like Sardaaj and Huka Eagle.

But he came from last on the home turn off a slow pace, flying to the lead 150m out and just holding out a renewed late bid from Sardaaj and break his maiden status in a Group One race.

Trainer Danica Guy says she rated Gaultier highly based on his training but he hadn't showed it on the racetrack and he was gelded after running seventh at his last start on December 28.

"I was really looking forward today. He has improved so much since we gelded him," Guy told Trackside after the race.

"He always had the ability, it was just a matter of getting him switched on during the race."

Guy said Gaultier would be aimed for the New Zealand Derby (2400m) at the end of February.