It's hard not to like Fabrizio, a poddy foal with a take no prisoners attitude.
The son of High Chaparral (IRE) kept up a relentless gallop to turn what looked to be a competitive $200,000 Group III Livamol Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) on Saturday into a one act affair.
Ridden by Jason Collett, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained 5yo gelding defeated the John O'Shea-trained Moher (Lonhro) by three-quarters of a length with a short-half-head back to Gary Portelli's Testashadow (Testa Rossa) in third. (photos Steve Hart).
It advances the record of Fabrizio to 8 wins and 1 third from 14 starts with earnings of $393,800.
"Wasn't it a treat to see him get to the top of the straight and kick again," Waterhouse said.
"Jason (Collett) judged the speed on him very well today."
Collett said his confidence rose the moment he sat on Fabrizio.
"He just likes to roll along and his tempo doesn't suit other horses that are chasing," he said.
"I knew cantering around to the barrier he was a horse. He gave me a lovely feel and then that's what I felt during the run.
"He was pretty tough late. I really went for him at about the furlong and he really dug deep."
It was the second stakes win for Fabrizio who is now likely to head to Brisbane.
A homebred for George Altomonte's Corumbene Stud, Fabrizio is a half-brother to Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Eagle Falls and Group III winner Mahara who were both by Hussonet (USA).
Fabrizio is the fifth and final
Tragically,