James Cummings said he would plot a course to the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups for Alegron after the son of Teofilo (IRE) defeated the favourite Benaud in the $200,000 Group III Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Strong staying performance by Alegron (image Steve Hart)
Ridden by Rachel King, Alegron came with a storming run from midfield but looked in danger of being overrun by the fast-finishing Benaud (Reliable Man), who may have peaked on his run in the final 50m.
The winner of the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) and third in the Group 1 ATC Derby last season, Alegron defeated Benaud by a half-length with Knight's Order (So You Think) three-quarter of a length back in third.
The 4yo son of Teofilo is racing's latest equine millionaire with a record of three wins, two seconds, and two thirds with earnings of $1,039,940.
"He has improved out of sight since the burn around in the Chelmsford Stakes a couple of weeks ago," Cummings said.
"The track was pretty testing for a horse first up from a spell that day, but this horse has jumped out of the ground.
"Rachel was a perfect number of lengths off the lead at the 1000m mark, and he just kept building up the revs like the Derby contender he was last season. And now he is a Cups contender in his own right.
"He might go to the Metrop, but he would incur a penalty if he wins, so I have to work that out first.
"Maybe the Turnbull is on the agenda, but he is going to love a mile and half when he gets there. If I hold him back one more run, he will be just as happy doing that."
Alegron has the pedigree to be a contender on the first Tuesday in November.
Teofilo (IRE) is the sire of Melbourne Cup winners Cross Counter (IRE) and Twilight Payment (IRE). Alegron is the first foal of the Medaglia d'Oro (USA) mare Alegria, who was second to Libran (IRE) in the Group II ATC Chairman's Hcp (2600m).
After missing in 2018 and 2019, Alegria foaled an Epaulette filly last spring before being covered by Dubawi's triple Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath (IRE).
