The Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello ($6.50) has picked up his third straight win of the campaign on Saturday afternoon, proving too classy for his rivals in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill.
The son of Castelvecchio got the perfect run throughout the 1800m, with Joshua Parr stalking his opposition from the one-one after jumping evenly from barrier five.
The favoured pair of Swiftfalcon ($2.50) and Henlein ($4.40) were dragged back towards the rear of the field in the early stages, leaving the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Cristal Clear ($23.00) to take up the running with very little pressure throughout the contest.
The well-backed Tenbury Wells ($5.00) got the leaders back throughout and appeared to be travelling well under Tyler Schiller heading into the home straight, while Firm Agreement ($31.00) was chasing gallantly towards the inside running rail at a massive each-way price with horse racing bookmakers.
El Castillo charged to the lead with a furlong left to travel and didn’t appear to be in any danger as he dropped Tenbury Wells, with Swiftfalcon the only key rival making strong inroads from the back of the field when it was all over, while Rag Queen ($34.00) and Henlein were doing their best work late.
2024 Group 3 Gloaming Stakes – El Castello
The Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) is next on the agenda as Anthony Cummings spoke about the victory of his three-year-old post-race.
“This day has been coming,” said Cummings.
“I think he gets better again at 2000 (metres) and I think he’ll get better again given that we go to Melbourne (Victoria Derby).
“Today was the first time he put a field away.
“He’s usually hanging around waiting for something to challenge him.
“Very good ride. Had him in the right spot. It didn’t work out exactly as we thought it might, but nevertheless he was in the right position and able to show that he’s a really good staying in the coming.
“Each win that he’s had has been a training gallop towards the (Spring) Champion Stakes. He’s improved every time and he’ll improve off this.”
Joshua Parr was pleased with the win and suggested the 2000m would be no issues moving deeper into the spring.
“He travelled really nicely in a beautiful position and showed a turn of foot that was obviously unparalleled,” said Parr.
“I’m very pleased with him. He’s just taken the natural progression each time I’ve sat on him. I’m really pleased with this horse.
“He’s got the perfect temperament for the 2000m and then possibly the Derby trip. If we can keep a lid on him, keep him nice and settled pre-race, we’re well and truly in business.
“Obviously a lot of work has gone into him to get him here and obviously further into the prep. It’s just nice to see that the opinion we had of him early on is starting to show through.”
El Castello is now on the second line of betting at $4.50 for the 2024 Spring Champion Stakes on October 26.
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