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...
Euro G1 – Bridesmaid No More and Two Time Derby Hero
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who shook off his G1 bridesmaid tag winning the Group I Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in France, while in Ireland the Coolmore machine kept the winning run going to take out the Group I Irish Derby (1 ½ m).
Big Pedigrees Don’t Always Spell Black Type
The breeding of thoroughbreds is a very inexact science which is why we saw siblings to a pair of Group I winners fighting out the finish of a very pedestrian 1100m maiden at Ballarat on Sunday.
Matahga Makes it a Memorable Weekend for Lawson
Waikato horseman Simon Lawson has an eye for a bargain, and the product of one of his purchases turned into his first stakes winner over the weekend.
Bergerson Honoured at Entain Industry Excellence Awards
Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night.
G1 Aussie Season – Best of the Best
The $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday was the last of 76 Australian Group I races run this season that produced 57 individual Group I winners, so let’s take a look at the best of the best.
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.
Alice Jeffries - Rising Star in Breeding Industry
Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday.
How Much for a Snitzel Colt from Winx?
The record price for a yearling by the late champion sire Snitzel stands at $2.8million, but that benchmark looks set to be smashed at Inglis Easter next year.
National Online Breeding Stock Sale Online Now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 29
Here is the full list of 53 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.