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).
