Cifrado has secured his spot in the Magic Millions Cup after an emphatic victory in the Listed Ascot Green Lough Neagh Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
On a heavy track, the four-year-old gelding, trained by Rex Lipp, stormed home under jockey Boris Thornton to clinch a commanding win by over two lengths, marking another milestone in his blossoming career.
Jumping from barrier eight, Cifrado settled at the rear of the field as Prince of Boom set a strong early pace.
As the field approached the turn, Thornton made his move, steering the gelding wide to unleash his powerful finish, claiming at $6.50 odds with Neds.
Displaying his signature turn of foot, Cifrado swept past his rivals to take the lead and finish in style, leaving the bookmaker favourite Prince of Boom, in second place and Strait Acer in third.
Listed Ascot Green Lough Neagh Race Replay – Cifrado
Trainer Rex Lipp, reflecting on the win, highlighted Cifrado’s transformation since being gelded mid-preparation.
“He’s done a great job for us, and I’m very pleased for the owner,” Lipp said.
“We were lucky enough to buy him for him, and he’s just progressed from there.
Since being gelded, he’s much easier to manage, and what he achieved today was exceptional.”
Lipp also confirmed that Cifrado’s next target will be the $1 million Magic Millions Cup at 1400m on the Gold Coast but indicated the gelding might not need another run before the event.
“He may not have another run yet; I’ll just have to see what happens,” he added.
“He’s a good doer, so he holds his form well without racing super regularly.”
Jockey Boris Thornton, who reclaimed the ride after guiding Cifrado to his maiden win, praised the gelding’s resilience and strategic racing ability.
“He’s done a terrific job,” Thornton said.
“This was his third run on a heavy track, and for any horse to maintain that through a prep is a great effort.
He carried 59.5kg today and made them look second-rate.”
Thornton described how he considered pushing Cifrado forward early but opted to stay patient.
“I was half thinking of hitting the button early, but I told myself, ‘Don’t do it, Boris.’ I found a bum behind Michael Rodd, and it took me everywhere I needed to go. I had the horse in the end, and it was fantastic.”
Thornton believes there’s more to come from Cifrado.
“He’s still on the up, and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to the rest of his preparation and hopefully to Magic Millions.”
Cifrado’s victory marks another highlight for Lipp’s boutique stable, which has enjoyed a stellar season.
The gelding has now earned over $1.3 million in prize money, with his adaptability and consistency making him a standout performer.
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