See You Tuesday - Cismontane Rallies to Win Lexus

Mark Smith - Saturday November 4

The best way to describe Saturday's $300,000 Group III Lexus Stakes (2400m) winner Cismontane is that he is a tough, gritty, no-nonsense, professional, a typical product of Tulloch Lodge.

The 5yo son of High Chaparral earned a spot in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup when fighting back after the Geelong Cup winner Vengeur Masque (IRE) put a neck margin on him halfway down the Flemington straight.

Advertisement

Refusing to yield an inch, Cismontane rallied back to win by a short-neck from Vengeur Masque (IRE) with the John Wheeler-trained Pentathlon a short-head back in third after looking likely to break a drought that dates back to December 2015. (photo Grant Courtney)


Described by Stephen Baster as flat out to win a mid-weeker six months ago, Cismontane recorded a first stakes win to earn a shot at the $6.2 million feature at Flemington on Tuesday.

Third in the St Leger Stakes at Randwick and the Group II Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Cismontane advances his record to 5 wins, 5 seconds and 4 thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $425,925.

"A phenomenal performance, he's an incredibly tough horse, he keeps showing up every start this preparation and there's still a lot more to come from this horse going forward," co-trainer Adrian Bott said.

"We are very keen to see him in the Melbourne Cup the 3200 metres will suit him down to the ground, so looking forward to Tuesday."

Consigned by Windsor Park Stud to the 2014 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Cismontane was purchased by Waterhouse Racing/James Harron B/S for $200,000.

A year after purchasing Cismontane Gai Waterhouse teamed up with Henderson Racing & Breeding to purchase his half-sister by Rip Van Winkle (IRE) for $125,000.

That filly is the promising Awoke who has wins on the board at Rosehill and Canterbury.

Cismontane hails from one of Windsor Park's very best families.

He is the fifth foal of the Volksraad mare Viviane a sister to the stakes-placed Equuleus and a half-sister to Group 1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas and Group 1 Levin RC Bayer Classic winner Nimue (Star Way) as well as Group 1 Arc Handicap winner Sirstaci, Group 1 Wellington Cup winner Smiling Like and multiple Group III winner (Mr) Eurostar.

Viviane has a yearling filly by Zacinto (GB) and was bred back to Rip Van Winkle (IRE).

Cismontane becomes the 106th stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud's deceased High Chaparral (IRE).

Advertisment
More Reading...
$1.2million Invincible Filly to Gai and Adrian
Champion sire I Am Invincible had the top filly in the opening session of Magic Millions on Tuesday and followed up with the same on Wednesday when his glorious filly from Key sold for $1.2million.
$1.5million for Full Brother to Beadman
Flashy chestnut colt Beadman is already a Group winner and has shown glimpses of G1 ability in his brief six start career to date and his full brother was a showstopper at Magic Millions on Wednesday when knocked down to Tom Magnier at $1.5million.
Yulong Purchase $2million Extreme Choice Colt
Yulong have already hit the jackpot with an expensive Extreme Choice colt, purchasing Group I MRC Blue Diamond winner Devil Night at Magic Millions in 2024 for $1.4million and they upped the ante on Wednesday.
People at Magic Millions Day Two
New records, famous families, emotions, hungry horses, farm favourites and Baby Amy - it was all happening on Day Two at Magic Millions as Maree McEwan found out on her travels.
$2million Extreme Choice Colt Stars on MM Day 2
An outstanding colt by Newgate Farm's superstar sire Extreme Choice has sold for $2 million and now shares top spot on the leaderboard after a red hot second day of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday January 14
Here is the full list of 43 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Hot Lots Day Three – Magic Millions
With Extreme Choice having seven sold through the ring so far averaging $840,000 highlighted by a sales equalling top price of $2m for Kingstar Farm’s colt, the Newgate Farm based stallion only has three to sell on Thursday, which could see Snitzel or I Am Invincible hit the lead on averages.
Milburn Creek Sell $1.5million Snitzel Colt
The first seven figure yearling to be sold at Magic Millions on Wednesday came through just after midday when the Milburn Creek consigned Snitzel colt from Embrace Me fetched $1.5million.
$1.2million Snitzel Colt to James Harron Bloodstock
When legendary sire Snitzel passed away last year it always meant his yearlings would be in hot demand at sales in 2026 and that is playing out at the Gold Coast with his third individual million dollar colt arriving late on Wednesday at Magic Millions.
$800,000 Anamoe Filly Delivers Big Pinhook Win for Lime Country
The first yearlings by Australian Horse of the Year Anamoe have generated huge interest at Magic Millions and a filly from Eawase hit the target on Wednesday when selling for $800,000.