Super Grand Prix Win for Sirmione
2nd June 2007
Outstanding sire Encosta de Lago posted his 12th individual stakes-winner this season when the Bart Cummings trained three year-old Sirmione (3g Encosta de Lago - World Guide, by Defensive Play) captured the Group Three QTC Grand Prix Stakes over 2200 metres at Eagle Farm on Saturday.Sirmione relished the step up in distance, finishing off powerfully to race right away from My Centurion and Currigee in an excellent trial for the Group One QTC Queensland Derby next Saturday.
His easy three length victory was only the second of his career, the previous success coming at the same track as a juvenile when he won the QTC Australia Post Stakes over 1400 metres.
Purchased by Bart Cummings for $300,000 from the draft of Murrulla Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Sirmione is well on the way to recouping his costs having collected $221,475 in prizemoney.
Sirmione is the second foal of the Defensive Play mare World Guide, a half-sister to Sunray, winner of the Group Three New Zealand St Leger and Rocking On, winner of the Listed Grafton Cup.
Encosta de Lago also figured in the Group One QTC Queensland Oaks when his talented daughter Rose of Sharon (3f Encosta de Lago - Rose Reward, by Sir Tristram) held on bravely for third to Eskimo Queen.
The half-sister to Group One winner Lotteria was ridden forward and ran a bold race before being run down and will doubtless return from a spell as a stronger and more seasoned competitor.
Encosta de Lago is enjoying a fine season with progeny earnings in excess of $7million and Group One winners in both Australia and New Zealand with Racing to Win and Princess Coup.
Currently standing his first season in Ireland he will return to Coolmore Australia this spring at a fee of $220,000.