It was closer than fans would have liked, but The Inevitable got the job done in Wednesday's Listed Rayner Transport Conquering Stakes (1400m) at Launceston and took his prizemoney past $1,000,000.
Ridden by David Pires for Scott Brunton, the 7yo son of Dundeel enjoyed a charmed run fifth in the running line. But he was under hard riding to make the ground up before the turn, then found a willing opponent in Rebel Factor (The Factor) who held the margin to a half-length on the line.
First Accused (Turffontein) was two and a quarter lengths back in third.
The Inevitable advances his record to 13 wins, two seconds, and a third from 26 starts with earnings of $1,044,775.
Brunton said he hopes Tasmanians get behind the local champ for the $5 million All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley on March 18.
"That was an incredible effort. The track bias was against him, but good horses offset those things," Brunton said.
"I have no doubts that the second horse will be the next one coming through.
'We will go to the Tassie Stakes in three and a half weeks, which he ran second in last year when he went amiss.
"We will keep him sound and under wraps because we have had so many problems with him, so it is not all smooth sailing behind the scenes."
Bred by Tori Park Stud The Inevitable was a $90,000 Magic Millions Adelaide purchase for David Brunton from the Cornerstone Stud draft.
He is a half-brother to Group III winner Blahnik and stakes-winner Elysees and is the 14th and final foal of the stakes-winning King's High mare Gift Bouquet, who had 11 winners from 14 to race.
Arrowfield Stud's Dundeel has 22 yearlings catalogued for the Gold Coast, 18 at the Inglis Classic, 27 at the Inglis Premier, and 13 at Karaka.
Earlier in the program, the 3yo Brazen Beau gelding Bello Beau kept his record at a perfect six for six in Tasmania and six from eight overall when leading at every call in the Steve's Liquor 3yo Trophy (1400m).
Ridden by Brendon McCoull for Adam Trinder, Bello Beau defeated Flying Paris (Alpine Eagle) by four and a half lengths with the winner's stablemate Jaguar Stone (Speith) a short-head back in third.
It was the first start past 1200m for Bello Beau, and Trinder indicated the Listed Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) at Hobart on January 6 would be his next start, where he will again line up against Jaguar Stone.
Bred by Enak Pty Ltd, Bello Beau was consigned by Supreme Thoroughbreds to the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, with Wayne Roser signing the ticket for $70,000.
The 3yo gelding is the seventh winner for the stakes-placed Flying Spur mare Bella Princess.
Purchased for $55,000 at the 2013 Inglis August Thoroughbred Sale, Bella Princess is a half-sister to Group II winner Ten Gun Salute and Group III winner Red Typhoon. She is out of the dual Listed stakes winner and Group 1 South Australian Oaks runner-up Ladybird Blue (Bluebird).
