The Anthony Cummings-trained El Castello ($3.10) has kept his undefeated record intact for the campaign, securing victory in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
The Castelvecchio colt picked up his fourth-consecutive win of the preparation on Saturday, fending off the late challenge of Henlein ($5.00), and proving the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) on October 12 was no fluke.
Joshua Parr managed to navigate his way to the one-one throughout as the Brad Widdup-trained Noises ($81.00) launched across the field from barrier eight and stretched out at a strong tempo.
Henlein had no excuses after landing on the leaders’ back throughout, while Swiftfalcon ($3.80) was ridden cold once again after drawing out in barrier 10.
There was a mid-race move by Zac Lloyd aboard rank outsider Flying Argento (151.00), leaving a few key chances chasing a long way out.
El Castello worked his way to the lead with 300m left to travel; however, Henlein loomed large to his outside and appeared ready to stroll straight past.
It simply never eventuated, however, with El Castello kicking into another gear to boot clear to put pave to his rivals to secure the $2 million prize.
2024 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes Replay – El Castello
Anthony Cummings couldn’t have been happier with how the preparation unfolded and suggested one more run could be on the cards in Victoria.
“He’s just a very good horse,” said Cummings.
“The preparation went perfectly, everything worked out. He turned up the best horse today and I still think he improves again.
“It’s a dumb thing to say, I know, but if I had to pick fault today he’s maybe half a run short but today’s race into next week, he’ll be fine. All to say, we’re in good shape.
“But we’ve got to get him home and make sure that he’s OK and tick a fair few boxes before we do that. But that was the plan. The preparation was set up so that today’s race would give him the step to go to the Derby. Looks like that will happen.”
Joshua Parr was elated with the victory and picking up his third win the Spring Champion Stakes before suggesting he’ll be aboard once again provided El Castello heads to Melbourne next Saturday.
“Wow. That was thrilling, I tell you,” said Parr.
“The two went down the side, they took off and I just said, ‘no, not just yet my man, let’s just wait’. I was able to wait. We topped the hill and I just briefly started to let him go and his ears just slightly went different directions, he was waiting for some company.
“Henlein obviously came to him and he knuckled down and his last furlong was so strong. Incredible training performance and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
“I’ll be at Flemington on Derby Day. So if he’s there, I’ll be on him, that’s for sure. This is fantastic.”
El Castello is now the clear $3.50 favourite for the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington next Saturday.
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