Jockey Tim Bell has produced a near-perfect ride to set top Queensland mare Tinto on a quest for Group One success in Sydney.
Tinto ($5) had top weight of 59kg and the outside barrier in the Magic Millions Stayers Cup but made light of both to beat Our Boy Nicholas ($6) by 1-1/2 lengths.
Tinto
Trainer Rex Lipp declared Tinto, who won last year’s Queensland Oaks, would have a small break before heading to Sydney for the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill on March 14.
Lipp also praised Bell for following instructions to the letter.
“The plan was to go forward early and then get a nice trail hopefully one off the fence. It worked out that way,” Lipp said.
Lightly raced filly Elle Lou landed a plunge and continued the domination of Hawkes Racing in the Magic Millions Maiden Plate.
Elle Lou was backed from $10 into $6.50 and recovered from a heavy bump at the start to score a 2-1/4 lengths win.
“This is the third time we’ve won this race in the past five years and she’s done a big job to win,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
