After downing Kissonallforcheeks as a $21 chance in the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes in February, the seven-year-old Testa Rossa mare This'll Testya was considerably more popular with punters in Saturday's Group III Euroz Hartleys Colonel Reeves (1100m) at Ascot.
Following seconds in the Listed Crawford Stakes and Group III Prince Of Wales Stakes at her previous two starts, This'll Testya completed a Group III double for Lucy Warwick when powering home to defeat Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man) by three-quarters of a length with Indian Pacific Zoustar) two and a quarter lengths back in third.
A model of consistency since transferring to Mitchell Pateman late last year, This'll Testya advances her record to seven wins, six seconds, and two thirds from 23 starts with earnings of $431,775.
"I'm so proud of her," Pateman said.
"We are playing with the best horses in the State. I thought she was right in the mix after her last run.
"Everyone was writing her off; what are they saying now?
"She is a different horse now, much more settled. 1100m is probably the sweet spot. She loves high pressure, but what a ride. She drew 12 of 15 and lobbed three deep with cover.
"Lucy is a star. She did a lot of work with this horse at the start of the prep and put up a great foundation.
"I've only been training twelve months, and as a kid, I watched dad win a Railway (stakes), and I would love to join him."
A $52,000 purchase for Mark Nelson from the Dawson Stud draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, This'll Testya is the best of two winners from as many foals out of the Flying Spur mare Camille's Girl.
A $33,000 buy for Belmont Bloodstock Agency from the Sledmere Stud draft at the 2013 Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale, Camille's Girl is an unraced half-sister to Goldstone (Shamardal). A 4-time winner, Goldstone placed behind Mr Chard in the Group III Carbine Club Stakes and was third in the Group III Standish Hcp.
Camille's Girl did not have another foal after This'll Testya.
Testa Rossa retired in 2019 after 18 seasons of yeoman service at Vinery Stud.
