He might be best remembered for siring the world’s best sprinter Nature Strip, but Widden Stud’s stalwart sire Nicconi has more than that to offer and added a 30th stakes-winner to his tally at Caulfield on Saturday when Nicolini Vito won the Group III MRC Victoria Handicap (1400m).

Smart Missile’s Briasa confirmed himself a star of Australian sprinting, winning the Group I TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday where a good barrier helped atone for the horror of the previous Group One attempt.