Like father, like son.
That’s how jockey Michael Cahill summed up the racing manners of Vienna Royale, a son of Falvelon, who burst into Magic Millions contention with a dominant win at his debut at Doomben on Saturday.
“He’s a foolproof horse, a lot like Falvelon was,” Cahill said.
Vienna Royale - Photo by Daniel Costello
Falvelon was ridden by Cahill when he won the first of his two Doomben 10,000 victories in 2001.
Cahill was impressed by Vienna Royale, the $1.45 favourite, who was pressured approaching the home turn before extending his lead in the straight to win the Ascend Sales Plate (1010m) by 5-1/2 lengths.
“Although he’s a bit small, he’s a strong little fellow and he’s got a very good temperament,” Cahill said.
“He’s been well educated which stood him in good stead because he had to stand in the barriers for quite awhile but he was very calm.”
Trainer Tony Gollan, who was in Melbourne to saddle up Spirit Of Boom in the Gilgai Stakes, will aim Vienna Royale at the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast in January.
Stable spokesman John Fleming, said Vienna Royale’s best asset is his ability to quicken off a high-cruising speed.
“He left them for dead not long after straightening and Tony’s had a pretty good rap on this fella for awhile,” Fleming said.
“He’s still learning but on the other side of the coin he’s a good barrier horse, he can get to the front, travel and at this time of year they’re the type of horse you’re looking for.”
Vienna Royale clocked 58.53 seconds which was 0.06 seconds quicker than Grapevine recorded in the fillies division of the two-year-old races.
Trainer Bryan Guy said Grapevine, a $42,500 Magic Millions buy, will head to the spelling paddock on Monday after she held off Totally Sure to win the Carlton Draught Plate (1010m) by a nose.
Grapevine was ridden by Chris Munce who praised the filly’s courage to fight off the challenge of Totally Sure, who was bought for $160,000 at this year’s Magic Millions sales.
