TRAINER Anthony Cummings has ear-marked the Group 1 T.J. Smith Quality (1600m) in two weeks time for exciting Testa Rossa colt Fontelina after his easy win in today’s Listed Phoenix Stakes (1350m) at Doomben.
The Luke Nolen mount was given the perfect run in transit settling in behind the leaders before dashing away to score an emphatic 1.8-lens win at only his second race start.
“He’s not the perfect racehorse just yet,” Cummings said, “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 is the 33rd individual stakeswinenr sired by Testa Rossa.
His dam, Decipher, is a daughter of Timber Country.
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.
