Palentino’s half-brother Junipal won his first race in 153 weeks when leading home a 1-3-4 for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in Sunday’s Listed Bet365 Seymour Cup (1600m).
Under a patient ride by John Allen, the 8-year-old son of Reset came with a well-timed finish to defeat Chandon Burj (Pride Of Dubai) by one and a quarter lengths with Ascension (GB) (Dark Angel) a short-head back in third.
It was the first win for Junipal since the Group III Sandown Stakes in November 2020.
The veteran pulled up with cardiac arrhythmia after disappointing in the Gold Nugget at Ballarat at his most recent start.
With his second stakes success, Junipal advances his record to seven wins, five seconds, and six thirds thirds from 36 starts with earnings of $711,420.
“We threw a few darts at the board and got one,” stable representative Mitch Conners said.
“Johnny Allen gave him a good ride.”
Allen said Junipal appreciated a little cut in the ground.
“A great training effort by Ciaron and David to get him back,” Allen said.
“There is a little give in the track was the key. He has been running OK this prep, but he hasn’t been letting down on the firm tracks.
“There could be another country cup for him with a little a little ease in the ground.”
Bred in Tasmania by Jenny Watson, Junipal is a half-brother to Group 1 VRC Australian Guineas and Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes winner Palantino (Teofilo).
He is one of five winners from seven to race for Palatine Hill (Palace Music), who Watson purchased for $25,000 at the 2011 Inglis Great Southern Sale before selling her to Rob Crabtree.
Pensioned in 2021, Palatine Hill’s final foal is a 2-year-old filly by Toronado (IRE).
