The hugely talented Von Costa De Hero often drew the ire of punters and did not exactly endear himself to breeders after earning a spot on the Darley roster.
But the son of Encosta De Lago was front and centre at Flemington on Saturday when credited with his first stakes-winner, the heavily backed Lord Von Costa in the 120,000 Listed A.R. Creswick Series Final (1200m) while his 3yo daughter Lady Selkirk towelled up the males in the $120,000 Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m).
After breaking his maiden at Wagga Wagga back in January, Lord Von Costa placed in his next five starts.
Previously trained by part-owner Graham Hulm, the 3yo gelding was switched to Stephen Brown at Flemington.
Lord Von Costa was the fourth of a 5-timer for Craig Williams, cutting back the lead of Dwayne Dunn in the Melbourne jockey's title to one.
Dunn rode the runner-up Prince Of Brooklyn while the $3.60 favourite Odyssey Moon was third in a thrilling finish. (photo Grant Courtney)
"Today he raced really nice and sensible and he relaxed," Williams said.
"I just thought when I had Mick Dee in front, I don't want to let him get too far in front, and I thought I better have a bit more energy at the end of the race.
"Luckily I had the horse when I asked him to dig deep late. Gee, he was good and tough, it was a great win.
"He's got to get his race smarts a bit but he's got
The homebred is the second foal of twice winning Dash For Cash mare Cashed Up Lady a half-sister to the dams of dual Listed stakes-winner Paprika (General Nediym) and the Group III winner Streetcar Magic (Blevic).
Cashed Up Lady has a 2yo filly by Ilovethiscity. Her 2014 foal by Written Tycoon died after birth.
Winner of the Group II VRC Sires' Produce Stakes and runner-up in the Group 1 STC Golden Slipper and Group 1VRC Australian Guineas in addition to finishing third in the Group 1 MRC Caulfield Guineas, Von Costa De Hero now stands at Riverbank Farm where his 2016 fee has been set at $2,200.
Lord Von Costa and Lady Selkirk come from his second crop of 52 live foals.
