Kiwi invader Chocante kept up a relentless gallop under Jim Byrne to lead every step of the way in Saturday's $300,000 Group II Brisbane Cup (2200m) at Doomben.
The 4yo son of Shocking made full use of his 6kg advantage over the gallant mare Single Gaze (Not A Single Doubt) to score by three and a quarter lengths with Pemberley (Darci Brahma) three-quarter of a length back in third. (photo Steve Hart)
The Stephen Marsh-trained gelding only took his place
"I don't want to be one to go on about the track but we were going to up stumps and go to the Ipswich Cup if they didn't change venues," Marsh told Sky Racing.
"He's a good horse this and I'm rapt he's proved it today.
"We'll give him every chance to prove he's that good. We'll aim high and see where we get."
A Group III winner in New Zealand, Chocante advances his record to 5 wins, 2 seconds and 4 thirds from 15 starts with earnings of $305,522.
A third generation homebred for Mark Freeman and David Price, Chocante is one of three winners out of the unraced O'Reilly mare Strictly Maternal whose granddam Red Chiffon (Sovereign Red) was a 5-time stakes winner in New Zealand and Australia.
Strictly Maternal has a weanling colt by Darci Brahma and was covered by Melbourne Cup hero Shocking again last spring.