Local hope Count Da Vinci chose the right stage to open his stakes account when turning back the challenge of favourite Big Duke in Sunday's $200,000 Group III Hobart Cup.
Ridden by David Pires, Count Da Vinci completed a successful day for local trainer Scott Brunton by defeating the Darren Weir import Big Duke (Ravens Pass) by one and a half-lengths with the winner's stablemate Gladstone (Dylan Thomas) a long-neck back in third.
It was a great effort, Pires said.
"He just travelled beautifully the whole way and really dug in well when I asked him. Full credit to the Bruntons."
The lightly raced six-year-old gelding only made his Australian debut back in October last year and has won six of his seven starts in the apple isle.
The son of Faltaat (USA) arrived in Tasmania from New Zealand as the winner of a 2100 metre maiden at Woodville in
His overall record stands at 7 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds from 25 starts with earnings of $204,689.
Count Da Vinci's dam Cool Talk (Shinko King) was a 6-time winner in New Zealand. She is a half-sister to the
He becomes the 24th stakes-winner by the Mr Prospector stallion Faltaat (USA).
