Brook Road won the Travel Associates Classic at Doomben on Saturday but it was Queensland Oaks winner Tinto who stole the limelight.
Having her first start since the winter carnival and burdened with topweight of 59.5kg, Tinto ($31) stormed home from last to be beaten only a half length by Brook Road, the $2.60 favourite.
Brook Road
Trainer Rex Lipp was delighted with the mare’s effort and declared her on target for her main goal this campaign, the Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 10.
“To be honest, that run didn’t surprise me in the least,” Lipp said.
“She’s still pretty big and fat but that hit-out will do her the world of good.”
Lipp hasn’t settled on a firm lead-up campaign to the Millions with Tinto but has several options to weigh up.
“There’s another fillies’ and mares’ race here in a fortnight over 1350 metres but she’d probably get the 59.5kg again,” he said.
“Another option is the Bernborough Handicap at home in Toowoomba over the mile then she can step up to the 1800m metres at the Coast.”
Tinto is unlikely to have a rematch during the summer with Brook Road, who is likely to head home and be spelled before trainer Kris Lees aims her at an autumn campaign.
“It’s a pretty big thing for a lightly raced mare to come up here and beat our best mares and I think Kris has got some nice races in mind for her next year,” stable representative Mel Eggleston said.
Brook Road, who is raced in the same interests as Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, was ridden by Jim Byrne who was impressed with the mare’s turn of foot in the straight.
