Richard & Chantelle Jolly have built a winning strike-rate with Vinery-sired gallopers and their All Too Hard gelding Montepulciano kicked off another partnership with upside at Morphettville on Saturday.

Montepulciano circled the field for Kayla Crowther on the home turn and was strong through the line in the Skycity Hcp.  It was his second win over a mile in town this season and he’s kept improving since his training routine was adjusted to include bush-work 50km south of Adelaide in the Kuipto Forrest.

“He’s a dude and Kayla rode him like a good thing from the back,” Chantelle said.  “He’s a nice horse and we planned it that way.  His gallop on Tuesday was enormous.  He’s our first winner that’s been pre-trained by Kayla and her partner Tommy at their property.  They’re good friends of ours and do a fantastic job.”

Montepulciano is better known as ‘Monty’ and he’s a stable favourite of the Jolly family.  “He’s spoilt and cheeky and isn’t afraid to try and take a bite out of every horse that walks past his stall in the mornings,” Chantelle said.  “But he’s a gentleman to ride and loves his sand rolls every day.

“He had been consistent but wasn’t winning out of turn so we decided to change things up with Kayla and Tommy.  He freshens up doing flatwork, jumping, as well as working through the Forrest.”

Montepulciano (5g All Too Hard – Tendue by General Nediym) is appropriately named after the Tuscan town renowned for its red vino.  He’s a half-brother to the Bianconi full-brothers Alcohol and Alcobro who combined to win 10 races and $500,000 for Richard Jolly.

Their half-sister Dueastar (Zoustar) is being sold in foal to St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) as Lot 859 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on Wednesday, May 24.

Montepulciano was bred and sold by Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm for $55,000 at the 2019 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.  The Corninella farm’s owner James O’Brien had form with All Too Hard having bought Champion Hong Kong sprinter Wellington as a yearling at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

All Too Hard will stand for an unchanged $38,500 service fee at Vinery this year alongside Ole Kirk ($55,000), Exceedance ($33,000), Star Turn ($27,500), Headwater ($13,200) and Casino Prince ($5,500).  All fees include GST and are payable on a live foal.  For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).