Group One Quinella for Encosta de Lago
3rd November 2007
Master trainer Bart Cummings unearthed a last minute Melbourne Cup contender at Flemington on Saturday when enigmatic four year-old Sirmione (4g Encosta de Lago - World Guide, by Defensive Play) charged home to defeat top class mare Princess Coup (4m Encosta de Lago - Stoneyfell Road, by Sovereign Red) in the Group One VRC L.K.S Mackinnon Stakes with leading sire Encosta de Lago providing the quinella.
Well down the track when unplaced in the Caulfield Cup, Cummings made a gear adjustment leading into this event on Sirmione, replacing winkers with blinkers in a bid to encourage him to settle.
Obviously it worked, the talented bay producing a sizzling finish at the end of the 2000 metre event to win his first Group One having been placed in the Group One QTC Queensland Derby during the winter.
“He’s really struck form at the right time and it’s a great result for the owners who have had to be very patient,” said Cummings.
“In the Caulfield Cup he was caught three wide and didn’t settle, he really needs to get cover in his races and we also put the blinkers back on as that seems to help him.”
Purchased by Bart Cummings for $300,000 from the draft of Murrulla Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Sirmione has now won three races and recouped costs having collected $730,875 in prizemoney for his lucky group of owners.
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.
Sirmione is the ninth Group One winner for Encosta de Lago who is enjoying yet another outstanding season with five stakes-winners so far in Australia since August 1.
Both Sirmione and Princess Coup will go on to the Group One VRC Melbourne Cup on Tuesday at Flemington over 3200 metres with the former drawing a wide gate in 20, while the mare will have an ideal start from barrier 9.
