Runner-up to superstar Japanese mare Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate last spring, outstanding Dundeel colt Castelvecchio roared back into top form at Rosehill on Slipper Day with a dominant win in the Group I ATC Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
The Richard Litt trained colt was having his third run back from a spell following two even efforts in the Group II ATC Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and Group I ATC Randwick Guineas (1600m).
Stepped out in distance, he relished the task, charging to the line for Craig Williams to beat last season’s Group I winner Prince Fawaz by half a length.
“He showed his true colours today and we are so proud of him,” said Richard Litt.
“Stepping up to 2000 metres and with Craig Williams back on he never put a foot wrong.”
A Group I winner at two in the ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m), Castelvecchio is now also a Group I winner at three and has the impressive record of four wins and four placings from 12 starts with prizemoney of $2.9million.
Castlelvecchio is entered for both the Group I ATC Australian Derby (2400m) and Group I ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), both races won by his sire Dundeel as was the Rosehill Guineas.
A $150,00 Inglis Classic purchase for Galletta Constructions from the Arrowfield Stud draft, Castelvecchio is the fifth winner from Dehere’s Group I placed Group III winning daughter St Therese, who is the dam of not only Group I winner Maid of Heaven but also Group III winner Mirrasolo. She is also the grand-dam of stakes-winners Precious Memories and Hussy By Choice.
St Therese died last year and her final foal is a filly by Panzer Division.
Castelvecchio is raced by a syndicate headed by Arrowfield Stud and partners so will ultimately stand alongside his sire Dundeel in the future.
