Local hero Marocchino led at every call to turn back the challenge of royally-bred imports Steinem (GB) and Ironclad (GB) in Saturday’s $250,000 Group II Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) at Ascot.
Ridden by Troy Turner for Lou Luciano, the 6yo son of Maschino led them along at a solid clip.
The Frankel mare Steinem (GB) mounted a serious challenge, but Marocchino loves a fight. He continued to pull out more, and with 100m to run, Steinem (GB) had little more to offer, going down by a long neck.
Australian Bloodstock’s Dubawi gelding Ironclad (GB) was three lengths back in third.
With his third stakes success Marocchino advances his record to 11 wins, four seconds, and five thirds from 45 starts with earnings of $1,080,715.
“He is a pain in the butt at times, but we love him dearly, and he is one tough animal,” Luciani said.
“He has kept on improving with age. We don’t mind taking the (eastern states) horses on. Usually, that is the way we treat them.
“He’s a tough horse, and Troy understands him.”
Bred and part-owned by his trainer Marocchino is the best of two winners from as many to race out of the McFlirt mare Comesitbesideme.
A $1,000 purchase for Trish Roberts at the 2009 Magic Millions Perth Westspeed Yearling Sale, Comesitbesideme has an unraced 2yo brother to Marocchino named Frappuccino and foaled a Maschino filly on October 28.
Alwyn Park Stud’s Encosta de Lago stallion Manchino enjoyed a resurgence of interest last season, covering a career-high 115 mares. His fee was increased from $6,600 to $9,900.
