See You Tuesday - Cismontane Rallies to Win Lexus

Mark Smith - Saturday November 4

The best way to describe Saturday's $300,000 Group III Lexus Stakes (2400m) winner Cismontane is that he is a tough, gritty, no-nonsense, professional, a typical product of Tulloch Lodge.

The 5yo son of High Chaparral earned a spot in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup when fighting back after the Geelong Cup winner Vengeur Masque (IRE) put a neck margin on him halfway down the Flemington straight.

Advertisement

Refusing to yield an inch, Cismontane rallied back to win by a short-neck from Vengeur Masque (IRE) with the John Wheeler-trained Pentathlon a short-head back in third after looking likely to break a drought that dates back to December 2015. (photo Grant Courtney)


Described by Stephen Baster as flat out to win a mid-weeker six months ago, Cismontane recorded a first stakes win to earn a shot at the $6.2 million feature at Flemington on Tuesday.

Third in the St Leger Stakes at Randwick and the Group II Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Cismontane advances his record to 5 wins, 5 seconds and 4 thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $425,925.

"A phenomenal performance, he's an incredibly tough horse, he keeps showing up every start this preparation and there's still a lot more to come from this horse going forward," co-trainer Adrian Bott said.

"We are very keen to see him in the Melbourne Cup the 3200 metres will suit him down to the ground, so looking forward to Tuesday."

Consigned by Windsor Park Stud to the 2014 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Cismontane was purchased by Waterhouse Racing/James Harron B/S for $200,000.

A year after purchasing Cismontane Gai Waterhouse teamed up with Henderson Racing & Breeding to purchase his half-sister by Rip Van Winkle (IRE) for $125,000.

That filly is the promising Awoke who has wins on the board at Rosehill and Canterbury.

Cismontane hails from one of Windsor Park's very best families.

He is the fifth foal of the Volksraad mare Viviane a sister to the stakes-placed Equuleus and a half-sister to Group 1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas and Group 1 Levin RC Bayer Classic winner Nimue (Star Way) as well as Group 1 Arc Handicap winner Sirstaci, Group 1 Wellington Cup winner Smiling Like and multiple Group III winner (Mr) Eurostar.

Viviane has a yearling filly by Zacinto (GB) and was bred back to Rip Van Winkle (IRE).

Cismontane becomes the 106th stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud's deceased High Chaparral (IRE).

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch- Ballarat
A well bred Zoustar filly carrying the Rosemont Stud colours was a hot favourite at Ballarat on Monday and duly won like the good thing her price suggested.
Handy Victory For Wootton Bassett’s Wise Inlaw
Making just his third trip to the races and improving off his last start fourth, 3yo Wootton Bassett gelding Wise Inlaw produced the goods at Bairnsdale on Tuesday, winning with plenty in hand over 1200m.
Hong Kong Derby Winner’s Half-Brother Wins At Hawkesbury
Sirius Legend, the Dundeel half-brother to Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat got his head down right on the line in the fifth at Hawkesbury to defeat the well-related Sigma, himself a three-quarter brother to Hong Kong Champion Griffin Thewizardofoz (Redoute’s Choice).
Sires With Winners - Tuesday August 12
Here is the full list of 33 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 11
Here is the full list of 14 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Pierro and So You Think Combine
Two of Coolmore’s most proven and reliable Group I sires combined to give Torryburn Stud a promising homebred winner at Goulburn on Monday.
One To Watch – Hawkesbury
Having his first start for the Michael Freedman yard, Godolphin’s 3yo I Am Invincible colt Ohope resumed from a spell on Tuesday to land his maiden victory, winning the Blakes Marine Maiden Handicap (1100m) at Hawkesbury.
Stakes Hopeful Fillies In The Best Sydney 3YO Maiden for Months
In what may be the strongest maiden we’ve seen in a month or two in Sydney, at least three fillies with spring stakes potential, along with an unraced blueblood, are slated to kick off their campaigns on the Kensington track on Wednesday, all coming off excellent trials.
Last of the Danehill Mares – A Good Read
Racenet’s Shayne O’Cass has stepped sideways from penning his usual racing stories in search of the next winner and has come up with a story about an exceptional broodmare.
First Looks At First Season First Foals
Always one of the most interesting things in foaling season is getting our first look at the first of those stallions which retired to stud last season, so here’s a look at a few that have come on to the Breednet Foal Gallery so far.