A successful Queensland summer campaign has reinforced trainer Rex Lipp’s plans to bring stable star Tinto to Sydney for autumn riches.
The Queensland Oaks winner again showed her class when she came from the outside barrier and carried 59kg to win the Magic Millions Stayers Cup on Saturday at the Gold Coast.
It completed a short summer preparation in which her trainer had the Bernborough Stakes and Stayers Cup as the mare’s targets.
“She won both of those and again showed her class. It is off for a short break now and then on to Sydney for the autumn,” Lipp said.
Tinto’s next start will be determined by how well she does in the spelling paddock.
At this stage she will go first-up into the Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on March 14.
However, Lipp has not got that race inked in just yet.
“If she does need another run it will be in Sydney. There are plenty of lead-in races for her,” he said.
Tinto has won up to the 2400 metres of the Queensland Oaks but she is likely to be kept around the 1500-2000m mark in Sydney.
“There are a couple of options after the Coolmore. One is the Doncaster which should suit her very well,” Lipp said.
The $3 million Doncaster Mile is at Randwick on April 4, the first day of The Championships.
“We have had a lot of fun with this mare but I am certain the best is yet to come,” Lipp said.
“It wasn’t the greatest field at the Gold Coast on Saturday but she put them away like the class horse I know she is.”
Tinto is by Red Dazzler who stands at Queensland’s Eureka Stud and could have two Doncaster runners.
His son Rudy earned an automatic berth with his win in the Group Two Villiers at Randwick last month.
