Ustinov mare Albonetti is primed for her best prep this season after storming to a first-up victory at Morphettville.

Albonetti (5m Ustinov – Command Performer by Royal Academy) settled last on the fence off a pedestrian pace before letting down with a powerful finish in the Dalakhani Hcp (1511m).  Connections have always held the lightly-raced mare in high regard and even nominated her for the G1 Caulfield Cup in October.

That may be flying a bit high at this stage but there are more wins ahead for owner-breeders David and Rhonda Addison.  They operate Mockingbird Hill Stud just off the Hume Freeway between Avenel and Euroa.

The Longwood based couple also bred Vain Queen (Artie Schiller) who won her third race at Flemington in June.

Albonetti is by Moorookyle Park sire Ustinov who started the season with Bendigo winner Laconic Lad.  He can double up off a seven-day break at Sandown on Wednesday.

Ustinov was conceived in Kentucky by champion sire Seeking The Gold but was foaled here after his Hall of Fame dam Let’s Elope was repatriated to Australia.  He was runner-up to Lonhro in the G1 Caulfield Guineas and followed up with a Group 2 victory in the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley.

Ustinov sired G1 Telegraph Handicap winner Vonusti from a stint standing in New Zealand and he allows breeders to tap into the bloodlines of Seeking the Gold (Mr Prospector) and Nassipour (Blushing Groom).  It’s a perfect match for Danzig – Danehill sireline that’s so prevalent in Australia.

Moorookyle Park director Nioka Wozny stands Ustinov for a $4,400 (inc gst) service fee.