The New Zealand-bred son of Faltaat (USA) is unbeaten since crossing the Tasman and at Elwick on
Friday he posted his fifth consecutive win when he claimed the Brighton Cup
over 2100 metres in his open class debut for leading trainer Scott Brunton.The victory earned the gelding, who raced as Faaltline in New Zealand, a berth in next month's Gr.3 Hobart Cup.
"I am thrilled with the result and I think this horse is ready made for the major cups," Brunton said.
Count Da Vinci is one of three tried Kiwi-breds purchased in the last four months for Australian clients by Victorian Leonard Russo under his Bluegrass Bloodstock banner. His New Zealand experience includes working stints in the early 2000s at Cambridge Stud and at Te Runga Stud.
"When we first thought about aiming the horse at the Hobart Cup I said to Scott that I want the horse to win the Brighton Cup because if he wins that he can win the Hobart Cup," Count Da Vinci's owner Wayne Notman said.
"And that was all in relation to the Brighton Cup offering ballot-free entry into the Hobart Cup.
"I couldn't be more pleased with how Scott has taken this horse along so far and now we know the horse has a start in the Hobart Cup we can relax a bit."
Count Da Vinci was formerly trained at Opaki by Jim Wallace and the son of Faltaat won one race, a 2100 metre maiden at Woodville in 2015, and placed nine times from his 18 starts. – NZ Racing Desk.
