After being disappointing as a confidently supported favourite in the Listed Wyong Cup, Etna Rosso (IRL) redeemed himself when again carrying the support of punters in Wednesday's $300,000 Group III Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m).
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy for Chris Waller, Etna Rosso (IRL) looked to be flat-footed when Wyclif (GB) swept past before climbing off the canvas to win running away by a length.
The 5-year-old son of Decorated Knight (GB) defeated Wyclif (Archipenko) with Sir Lucan IRE) (Camelot) a length back in third.
With his third win in Australia, the former Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding advances his record to four wins, a second, and a third from 12 starts with earnings of $362,231.
"It was good to see him bounce back as we expected a bit more at Wyong," McEvoy said.
"We were confident that Newcastle, being a bigger circuit, would be more to his liking.
"He was bright in himself, I knew he was feeling good, which showed in his performance.
"I was worried because Wyclif (GB) put a step on me, but he got the better of that horse in the last 100m and was strong through the line. Onwards and Upwards."
Etna Rosso (IRL) was a €40,000 purchase for Kevin Ross Bloodstock when offered by Clonsast Stud at the 2021 Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale.
A half-brother to stakes-placed Improvised (Raven's Pass), Etna Rosso (IRL) is out of the unraced Sea The Stars mare Kirouna (FR), a half-sister to stakes-winner Invite (The Gurkha) out of the stakes-winner Katiyra (Peintre Celebre), who placed in the Epsom Oaks and Prix de l'Opéra.
Etna Rosso (IRL) is the first stakes-winner for Longford House Stud's triple Group 1 winning Galileo stallion Decorated Knight (GB).
