Moneghetti’s last-to-first victory the LR York Stakes has sent his sire Blackfriars soaring through $3 million in earnings this season.
Scenic Lodge champion Blackfriars has already pencilled in the 2013 WA sires’ premiership to go with his two previous titles in 2011 and 2012.
Moneghetti (6g Blackfriars – Just A Runner by Kaapstad) had won the LR Northam Cup in October 2011 but disappointed connections last year. “”The 1600 metres first-up was the only problem but his work had been 100%,” trainer Grant Williams said at Belmont on Saturday. “He travelled strongly in running and hopefully there’s a few more wins this preparation.”
Moneghetti collared Rebelson (Snippetson) in the closing stages to win by a long head with Miss Tipsy Topsy (Spinning World) third home.
He is raced by Elio and Jacqui Galante in partnership with Scenic Lodge owner David Smith. The York Stakes winner was knocked down for $80,000 at the 2008 Perth Magic Millions and his current bank-balance is $299,990.
The Galantes also owned Australian Horse of the Year Scenic Blast who was an $85,000 graduate from Scenic Lodge at the 2006 Perth Magic Millions.
Scenic Lodge has a 2YO full sister to Moneghetti named Miss Gelana and Williams said she is showing well above average ability. Their dam Just A Runner is a direct descendant of legendary broodmare Dark Jewel (Star Kingdom) who foaled G1 winners Baguette, Cabochon and Heirloom.
York Stakes runner-up Rebelson was far from disgraced after winning the LR Fairetha Stakes and LR Roberts Quality earlier this season. His dam Rebel Sister (Falbrav) has a 2YO Blackfriars colt named Black Rebel and he looked a nice type winning a Lark Hill trial last month.
They are both trained by Darren McAuliffe at Ascot. He also has their yearling half-brother by Scenic Lodge sire Universal Ruler and describes the colt as the best type of the trio!
Scenic Lodge also reports Matchmaker Stakes winner Mabel Grace has arrived at Muchea to be let down before visiting Blackfriars in September.
Blackfriars will stand at a $20,000 (plus gst) service fee at Scenic Lodge this year. Associate sire Universal Ruler (Scenic) will stand for $3,500 (plus gst).
– Karl Patterson