Despite not beating a runner home in the Breeders’ Plate and Pierro Plate, the John Thompson-trained Snitzel colt Nipotino relished a heavy track and a drop in grade to open his winning account in a 2yo maiden over 1100m at Canterbury on Friday night.
Given a pearl of a ride by Regan Bayliss, Nipotino trailed the favourite Hell I Am before easing one and a quarter length clear over the son of Hellbent with the Lonhro filly Magic Carpet a head back in third.
Fourth-placed Russian Assassin has no luck, and the son of Russian Revolution should atone soon.
Thompson said the son of his grand money-spinner Nieta had nothing go his way at his first two starts.
“He had no luck from wide draws. He ran a sneaky race the other day, ran up to challenge and just got tired,” Thompson said.
“A good barrier tonight and a gun run made all the difference.
“He is a nice little horse, well-bred out of a lovely mare we had, and he will only improve with racing.
Purchased by his trainer for $280,000 from the Kitchwin Hills draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Nipotino is the first foal of the Nicconi mare Nieta a 6-time winner of over $336,000.
Bred by Greg de Vries, Nipotino carries the same colours as his dam, who placed in the ATC The Shorts.
De Vries purchased Nieta for just $20,000 as a yearling from the Holbrook Stud draft at the Gold Coast in 2014.
Trilogy Racing/CB Bloodstock went to $240,000 for Nieta’s Capitalist filly offered by Kitchwin Hills at the Magic Millions in January.
After missing to Deep Field in 2020, Nieta was covered by Farnan last spring.
Nipotino is the seventh 2yo winner for Snitzel this season.
