Written by Magic Millions
Saturday, 28 May 2011 12:40
Fontelina will head to the Group One TJ Smith (1600m) at Eagle Farm in a fortnight after a brilliant win in today’s listed Doomben Slipper (1350m).
Trained by Anthony Cummings, Fontelina was sent north in search for stakes races after an eye catching debut effort when narrowly beaten at Canterbury.
The son of Testa Rossa couldn’t have been more impressive as he raced away from his rivals in the home straight and then comfortably held out local filly Lucky Morna.
The result was a Magic Millions trifecta – National Horses in Training Sale graduates running first and third with the runner-up a Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase.
“He’s not the perfect racehorse just yet,” trainer Anthony Cummings said of the winner. “He’s still got a lot to learn.”
“He’s got a good will to win. He’s got good ability and he’ll certainly make the grade.”
“He’ll take a lot out of this race. He’ll improve a lot in way of racing.”
“He’ll go home and eat up again – he’s got a better appetite than me,” Cummings added.
Cummings confirmed that Queensland’s sole Group One race for juveniles was on the agenda for the stable’s newest star.
“On to the TJ (Smith) in a couple of weeks and we’re pleased to be here.”
Fontelina, bred by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud, was purchased from the draft of Washpool Lodge at last year’s National Horses in Training Sale by Queensland based buyer Edward O’Dwyer.
He was the second quickest breeze-upper from last year’s sale and the quickest of the colts when he covered his 200 metre timed sectional in a slick 10.16 seconds.
A son of former outstanding Magic Millions graduate Testa Rossa, Fontelina is the second winner for the once raced Timber Country mare Decipher.
A half sister to the stakes performer Tingling as well as the dams of stakes winners Burberry and Stormy Miss, Decipher is a daughter of the multiple Group One winning mare Electrique.