The Hallowed Crown gelding Kintyre claimed a few notable scalps when landing a solid betting plunge in Saturday's Inglis Pink Bonus (Bm72) at Rosehill.
Ridden by Tyler Schiller, Kintyre had the short-priced favourite Caballus locked away on the inside, and by the time James McDonald found an out, the bird had flown.
Kintyre had solid support (image Steve Hart)
Trained by Gary Portelli, Kintyre defeated the Street Boss (USA) filly Rockabilly Rebel by a long-neck with the $1million I Am Invincible colt Caballus a short-half-head back in third.
A half-brother to the Golden Slipper winner Fireburn, Kintyre was winning for the first time since breaking his maiden at Newcastle in March. His overall record advances to two wins, two seconds, and two thirds from nine starts with earnings of $172,325.
Gary Portelli said it was far from plain sailing.
"A few things didn't go to plan. We thought we would be box-seating because we did not think there was great speed," Portelli said.
"He jumped sideways and was a pair further back.
"Tyler was riding him along to hold a position and couldn't. Then the sped came out, and he overrraced. I was worried he had done too much in the middle stages to finish the race off.
"What it did show is we are on the right path.
"He is a quirky horse but has something there. That was a handy field and I liked the support of the punters.
"I think he will get 2000m and the (Spring) Champion Stakes is the race I would look at.
"Fireburn is trailing on Friday and is working the place down."
On a Champion Stakes path (image Steve Hart)
Bred and raced by Laurel Oak Bloodstock and Kerry Tibbey's Goodwood Farm in partnership, Kintyre is the second winner from as many to race for the Think Big Stud-bred, So You Think mare Mull Over. Her first foal is the Group 1 Golden Slipper and Group 1 ATC Sires' Produce Stakes winner and $4.2million earner Fireburn (Rebel Dane).
Purchased by Laurel Oak Bloodstock P/L (FBAA) for $22,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, Mull Over won a 1600m maiden at Newcastle from 11 starts.
A granddaughter of the top-class mare Danarani, Mull Over has a yearling colt by Pierata and missed to Rebel Dane last spring.
