The Group I Epsom Handicap is the next goal for the Chris Waller-trained Mackintosh after the son of Pins turned back the challenge of his luckless stablemate Counterattack in Saturday's $200,000 Group II Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill.
While Joao Moreira enjoyed a trouble-free passage on Mackintosh, Hugh Bowman on Counterattack only saw daylight in the last 150 metres but by then Mackintosh was off and running, edging his stablemate by a rapidly diminishing half-neck with favoured Southern Legend a half-length back in third. (photos Steve Hart)
Moreira believes the winner has plenty more to offer.
"He's still very green," Moreira said. "He was hanging and shying away from the other horses.
"He's done a lot of things wrong but he has got a lot of ability at the same time and he did that in good fashion today."
Winner of the Group III Grand Prix Stakes and Group III Rough Habit Plate at Doomben in May, Mackintosh advances his overall record to 6 wins from 9 starts with earnings of $373,747.
"He's gone to a new level today performing like that in a Group II field of good sprinters," Waller said.
"A mile was always the plan second up into the Epsom so will stick firmly with that."
The 4yo Pins gelding was purchased as a weanling at Karaka for $11,000 by Bridge Racing's James Bridge and his Hawke's Bay-based father John for whom he won two of his four starts.
He was sold to Lucia Valentina's owner Lib Petagna, who races him in partnership with Tony Muollo senior and Tony Muollo junior.
Mackintosh is the fifth foal of the winning Generous mare Lolly Scramble a half-sister to the talented Pins mare Vienetta the winner of the Group II Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes and the dam of Group III winners Golden Archer (Rock Of Gibraltar) and Butterscotch (Gold Brose) from the family of Group 1 winners Headturner and Anacheeva.
Lolly Scramble could not find a buyer when offered empty at last year's NZB National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale while her weanling son by Rock 'n' Pop made just $1,100.
Lolly Scramble was imported to Australia in August last year and was covered by Al Maher at Emirates Park Stud.
