The Tony Cruz trained stayer was in a class of his own, cruising home to win
the 2400 metre contest by six lengths with Zac Purton I the saddle."It's been pretty clear for a while that he is an out and out stayer," Purton said.
"When they were going along as slow as they were, it gave me the opportunity to slide forward down the back without covering any extra ground. You've got to have the right horse to be able to do it, though. There's no point even attempting it on a horse who is incapable of it. I thought he'd be able to do it."
It was Exultant's first stakes win at his 12th career start, although he's always shown the potential for Black Type success.
He placed in last year's Group I Irish 2,000 Guineas (1600m) among four starts for trainer Mick Halford when named Irishcorrespondent and since transferring to Hong Konghas finished second in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and third in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
"I think this was the real Exultant," Cruz said. "I think he's at his best at
2000 metres and above, but unfortunately there aren't many races for horses
like him. When he gets conditions to suit, he's capable of a win like he
produced today. He showed everyone his class."The 75th stakes-winner for Teofilo, Exultant is the best of four winners from Contrary, a half-sister to Group II winners to Caspian Prince and Spirit Quartz.
Teofilo has left Australian Group I winners Happy Clapper and Humidor this season and stands at a fee of $44,000.
