The connections of talented sprinter Fontelina appear likely to accept an invitation to campaign their horse in the Gr1 Kris Flyer Sprint (1200m) in Singapore next month whilst younger brother Spy Decoder is aiming to become his sire Testa Rossa’s 51st stakeswinner at The Championships on Saturday.
Fontelina’s trainer Anthony Cummings noted there were several issues that must be addressed before a final Singapore decision is made.
“I think we’d like to go but we’re trying to work our way through a host of issues right now to see if we can put it in place,” Cummings said. “We have been invited, so that’s a start, but because there was recently a case of Hendra virus in Queensland, the horse has to do an extra period in isolation before the official quarantine period.”
He added, “We’re trying to work through those issues now, but it appears he will have to go into isolation by Thursday if it’s going to happen.”
Fontelina, who has always raced with distinction in the top grade without breaking through for that elusive Gr1 success, came ever so close when a luckless nose second behind Spirit Of Boom in the Gr1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley at his most recent start.
Fontelina’s little brother Spy Decoder is aiming to become his sire Testa Rossa’s 51st stakeswinner when he tackles the Listed ATC South Pacific Classic (1400m) on day two of The Championships at Randwick this weekend.
Foaled in New Zealand, the cleverly named Spy Decoder was bred by Gerry Harvey and is out of Timber Country mare Decipher who has thrown four winners from her five named foals.
His grand-dam, Electrique, was a high class filly trained by Bill Mitchell whose major wins include the Group 1 AJC Flight Stakes and Ansett Australia, now known as the Vinery Stud Stakes.
Testa Rossa has sired 543 winners made up of 50 stakswinners and 48 stakes placegetters led by the triple Group 1 winning world traveller, Ortensia.
