The son of Zacinto (GB) bounced back to his best with a defeat on Monday of a hot
field of three-year-olds and fellow Riccarton hopefuls in the Gr.2 James &
Annie Sarten Memorial."I'm rapt to see him back in the winning groove," Marsh said. "We just had to try and forget that last run and we came here today hoping that he could bounce back."
Ugo Foscolo was unbeaten in his first three starts, but he lost his favouritism for next month's Gr.1 Sothys New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton after a nightmare trip to Hastings where he raced erratically when sixth in the Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Guineas.
"I thought he would go there and win, but they pulled up mid-race and he fought the rider and was caught in the worst part of the track," Marsh said.
"We did all the tests on him to make sure he was right and they didn't show anything wrong."
Under a smart ride from Michael Coleman, Ugo Foscolo strode to the front 700 metres from home at Te Rapa and he stuck grimly to his task in the straight.
"I was going to be stuck three wide and when they steadied up I pressed forward," Coleman said.
"It was a good, tough win and he needs to be ultra-fit to get the mile, but when they've got that much talent they are a good chance to get it."
Ugo Foscolo beat Mongolian Falcon by a short neck and they were clear of the runner-up's stablemate Wyndspelle. Donna Logan, who prepares the minor placegetters with Chris Gibbs, was delighted with their performances.
The winner has now earned a $7 quote for the 2000 Guineas with Mongolian Falcon, who won the Hawke's Bay Guineas, remaining the $5 favourite. – NZ Racing Desk.
