Trained by Stuart Kendrick, High Chaparral colt Rancho Montoya put his hand up as a spring contender after powering over the opposition in the Class Three Plate over 1615 metres at Doomben on Saturday to win by half a length.
Kendrick plans to take the colt to Melbourne and it is likely he will target
the Group III MRC Caulfield Classic (2000m) in October, a race which is a
traditional Victoria Derby lead-up.Kendrick had Rancho Montoya in the stable for 14 months before he unleashed him with a runaway win at Ipswich in June when he earned 'One to Watch' status on Breednet, but the Doomben win was his first city triumph after two recent placings in town over unsuitable shorter trips.
Kendrick will wait and see how the colt pulls up but the owners are extremely keen for a Melbourne mission.
"He looks like a stayer, all he wants to do is stay and stay and stay," Kendrick said.
"He loomed up at Doomben today and then really ground it out.
"He is a beautiful looking colt and the further he goes the better he will get."
"There is still a lot of developing he needs to do but it is hard to ignore some of these good Melbourne races."
A $70,000 Magic Millions purchase for Ezybonds No 1 Syndicate from the Baramul stud draft, Rancho Montoya was bred by Gerry Harvey and is a half-brother to Group III winner Bid Spotter.
Rancho Montoya is the ninth winner from 11 foals to race from Sir Tristram (IRE) mare Isolda, who scored a memorable win over Octagonal to win the Group I AJC Champagne Stakes in 1995.
Isolda passed away last year and Rancho Montoya is her last foal.
