Viridine has been something of a tease after a spectacular start to his career with four consecutive wins including the Listed Heritage Stakes and Group II Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick.
He met his Waterloo in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes won by Merchant Navy and all of a sudden he could not buy a win.
It took another 12 starts over a period of 17 months to find the winner's circle, which came in Saturday's Listed Coolmore Ortensia Stakes. (image Steve Hart)
With Jason Collett in the saddle, the 4yo son of Poet's Voice (GB) came with a barnstorming finish to defeat Victorem (I Am Invincible) by a half-length with Guard Of Honour (Northern Meteor) a length back in third.
"Jason gave him a lovely ride, he's not the easiest horse to ride and he got him into a lovely rhythm," Godolphin representative Darren Beadman said.
"His only blemish was on the real heavy track this time through. He's been very consistent and that will give him a lot of confidence, the way he was able to go through his gears and not to be exposed too early.
"There might be a little race up there in Brisbane for him. He's certainly a WFA type of horse and off a hot speed he can reel off some hot sectionals."
Viridine advances his record to 5 wins and 3 thirds from 16 starts with earnings of $720,650.
Viridine is the best of three winners from four to race out of the dual Melbourne winner Patina (Anabaa) who was sold by Darley at the 2016 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale where she was purchased by Mario & Jenni Cesnik for $15,000 while carrying a filly foal by Epaulette.
That now 2yo filly named St Edward's Crown finished second at her career debut at Seymour last Thursday.
Patina is a half-sister to Listed winner Jerezana (Lonhro), who is the dam of Osborne Bulls (Street Cry) who had just registered his fifth consecutive Group 1 second in the Doomben 10,000.
Patina is a daughter of Saddler's Silk (Barathea) who was placed in the Group I QTC Sires Produce Stakes and is a sister to dual Listed stakes winner and Group 1 placed Barawin.
Patina has a weanling colt by Frosted (USA) and was covered by Shooting To Win last spring.
