Fontelina returned to the scene of his first black-type win with a storming victory in the Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
The Testa Rossa veteran was transferred to trainer Tony Gollan earlier this season after being sidelined for 12 months and he flew home to win running away from the favourite Saluter. “He ran an awesome third in the George Moore Stakes last time,” Gollan said. “I’m really pleased with his effort today – he’s had a lot of problems.”
Fontelina (7g Testa Rossa – Decipher by Timber Country) has now earned $1.08 million since claiming the LR Doomben Slipper at his second start in May 2011. He is from a daughter of G1 Flight Stakes winner Electrique and graduated from the 2010 Magic Millions HIT Sale for $135,000.
The Gold Coast Goldmarket on Boxing Day is his next assignment before the Magic Millions Cup.
Fontelina is typical of the Testa Rossa breed. He’s as reliable as clockwork and keeps performing season in, season out. “His last run was just sensational – he was just run off his legs,” winning jockey Jim Byrne said. “He’s starting to hit his straps again and is a true Group 1 horse.”
Testa Rossa stands at Vinery Stud and his draft for the Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale is headed by the three-quarter brother (Lot 56) to G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Twilight Royale.
The Inglis Classic Summer Sale in February includes five yearlings by Testa Rossa and the first to parade is the colt from Mosoru (Lot 131). He’s closely related to LR Takeover Target Stakes winner Testarhythm.
