Derby Goal for Americain 3YO

Tara Madgwick - Wednesday February 27

Melbourne Cup winner Americain (USA) has brought an injection of stamina to a classy Aussie speed family to produce promising staying three year-old Costello, a strong winner over 1800 metres at Rosehill on Wednesday.

Costello as a yearling

Costello as a yearling

Astute trainer David Payne resisted the temptation of chasing a Derby start for Costello back in the spring when he cast off maiden status with an impressive win at Hawkesbury and that decision may now reap the right rewards.

A last start winner at Warwick Farm over 1600 metres, he upped the ante in this Benchmark 74 event to score a handsome victory with David Payne indicating his future path would be towards the Group I Australian Derby.

Bred and sold by Adam Sangster's Swettenham Stud, Costello was a $40,000 Inglis Premier purchase for his trainer and runs for a syndicate that includes Wilf Mula (Aston Bloodstock) and Paul Whelan (Luskin Park). The same connections had success with his half-sister French Fern, who won the Group II ATC Reisling Stakes in 2016.

Costello is one of four winners from stakes-winning Strategic mare La Famelia, who comes from the family of champion sprinter Schillaci and Group I winners Forina, Russeting and more recently Voodoo Lad.

La Famelia was covered last spring by Swettenham Stud's promising shuttle sire Toronado (IRE).

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