Comeback galloper Tullio is on a hat-trick for More Than Ready following two powerful finishing bursts at the Gold Coast this month.
The Tony Gollan-trained sprinter had been off the scene for well over a year with a leg injury after finishing second at Eagle Farm on Christmas Eve in 2018. He won first-up over 900m on June 12 and then landed the money for favourite punters over the same track and trip on Friday.
Tullio is a 4yo son of Military Rose (General Nediym) who won a Reisling Stakes Gr.2 and Magic Millions 2YO Classic RL for Hoss and Gillian Heinrich. He was bred and sold by Gerry Harvey for $150,000 through the Baramul Stud draft to the 2017 Magic Millions 2YO Sale.
“It’s exciting to see him winning after 18 months on the sidelines,” Gollan said. “It’s a great reward for all the time and patience shown by the team.”
Tullio convalesced at Furlong Stud and Gollan’s senior stable-hand Wayne Schembri has helped him regain fitness with regular circuits of the swimming pool at Eagle Farm.
Meanwhile, Vinery legend More Than Ready sired a promising 2yo in Ireland last week when Ides Of August defeated a pair of Galileo colts on debut at Leopardstown.
Trainer Ger Lyons said the USA import was a project in progress. “He’s a nice colt but is still just a baby. He needs to get stronger so we won’t rush him. You will see him next over a mile but we won’t be back too quick.”
Ides Of August (2c More Than Ready – Alina by Came Home) is raced by Newtown Anner Stud owner Maurice Regan after being passed-in for $420,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
He’s a younger full-brother to Keeneland graduate Nemoralia who was exported to win two Stakes races in England before returning to the USA for Group 1 placings in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf and Frizette Stakes.
Vinery offers two More Than Ready colts (as agent) at the Sydney Easter Yearling Round 2 Sale at Riverside Stables this Sunday, July 5.
Lot 13 is from Lucky Country (Darci Brahma) who won the 2013 New Zealand Oaks Prelude and was beaten a nose in that year’s Desert Gold Stakes Gr.3 at Trentham.
Lot 38 is the first foal of Sandown Lakeside winner Satya (Redoute’s Choice). She’s a half-sister to Group 2 winners Satin Shoes and Zarzuela – the latter foaled More Than Ready filly Serious Satire (NZ Gold Trail Stakes Gr.3).