Back-to-back wins in the Yellowglen Stakes at Flemington have set Fontelina up for a trip to the other side of the country.
But before he sends Fontelina to Perth later this month, trainer Anthony Cummings will consider a tilt at next week’s VRC Sprint Classic in an attempt to get him a deserved Group One win.
In a repeat of the 2012 result, Fontelina beat Queenslander Spirit Of Boom in Saturday’s Group Two Yellowglen (1200m).
Fontelina - Photo by Steve Hart
“He may back up next Saturday,” Cummings said.
“There are a few different options for him. Perth is one, but certainly the Sprint Classic looms large.
“He is a really nice horse who loves the straight course.
“I’m really pleased with that. He won the race on the minimum last year, so to come back shows how good he is.”
Peter Robl had Fontelina ($12) tucked in behind the leaders and unleashed him at the business end of the race, where he sped to the lead and held off Spirit Of Boom ($11) by 1-1/4 lengths.
Rarefied ($26) was a nose third, with favourite Shamal Wind ($6.50) coming in sixth.
Robl, who plays a major part in Cummings’ Sydney stable, was aboard when Fontelina was narrowly denied a Group One win by Rebel Dane on the Rupert Clarke Stakes in September.
“He’s a beauty,” the jockey said.
“He gives 100 per cent every time he goes to the races.
“Brisbane, Scone, Sydney and here in Melbourne, it doesn’t matter.
“He’s just a good, honest horse.”
