Quality sprinter Fontelina capped a big day for Sydney trainer Anthony Cummings when he held on for a thrilling win in the Group Two Linlithgow Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Fresh off winning the Derby with homebred Fiveandahalfstar, Cummings was soon back into the winner’s stall when Fontelina scored an impressive win.
After dashing to the front in the straight under Vlad Duric, the son of Testa Rossa showed great fight to hold out Spirit of Boom and win by a half neck.
Cummings, as expected, was all smiles after the race – delighted that Fontelina had lived up to the promise he’d shown his connections.
“Fontelina was full of running and he’s done really well for us first up before and we set him for the race a while ago so it was nice to get here and get the job done.”
Cummings said Fontelina could run in the Patinack Farm Classic next Saturday or be saved for the Sandown Classic meeting.
“There are a few options for him,” Cummings noted. “This was the main mission and we’ve achieved it – so we’ll see how he pulls up and go from there.”
Fontelina has turned out a great money spinner for connections after being purchased by Edward O’Dwyer at the 2010 Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale for $135,000.
From just 11 runs, Fontelina has won on four occasions. He is now a stakes winner in two states and has earned over $350,000.
One of 41 individual stakes winners by Testa Rossa, Fontelina is one of three winners produced by the well related, once raced Timber Country mare Decipher.
Decipher, a half sister to stakes placed galloper Tingling and the dams of stakes winners Burberry and Stormy Miss, is a daughter of the twice Group One winning Zephyr Zip mare Electrique.
Further back it is the same family of recent Perth based group winner Power Princess and last season’s Sydney stakes winner Kinnersley.
Those looking for the next Fontelina, or indeed Shocking and Graceful Anna, should cast their eyes over the passed in lots from last week’s 2012 edition of the sale.
Some exceptional prospects are still available through Magic Millions for private sale – view the online results and make an offer and a member of the Bloodstock Department will assist in securing a sale.
Winner: Fontelina
Breeding: Testa Rossa-Decipher (Timber Country)
Race: VRC Linlithgow Stakes G2 (1200m)
Sold for: $135,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale
Vendor: Washpool Lodge
Buyer: Edward O’Dwyer
Earnings: $352,800
Owner(s): R Willis, C Musgrave, G Harvey & M Buys
Trainer: Anthony Cummings (Randwick)
