Fourth on debut behind Dublin Down in the Group III Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington last November, Catoggio was far from disgraced in three winless starts in Sydney in the autumn before a return down south saw the 3-year-old Written Tycoon gelding open his winning account in the Viatek Fujifilm Maiden Plate (1147m) at Geelong.
Ridden by Jye McNeil for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the confidently supported favourite led at every call to defeat the Exceed And Excel filly Cora Lynn by two and a quarter lengths with the Yes Yes Yes gelding Sociable back in third.
Catoggio returned a gelding after a 23-week break.
“He is a brilliant beginner and really anticipates the start, rocking in the stalls ready to go,” McNeil said.
“He put himself into a controlling position. He went at a nice gallop from the 600m and was strong through the line.
“I’ve been on him in trackwork but not jumpouts or racing. It was good to team up with him today. He enjoyed a bit of give in the ground, and I’m sure he is in the right stable to reach his full potential.”
A half-brother to Listed BRC Phelan Stakes winner Palazzo Spirit, Catoggio was a $460,000 purchase for Rosemont Alliance/Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) from the Baramul Stud draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Bred by Gerry Harvey, the son of Written Tycoon, is the second winner from three to race for the crack racemare Palazzo Pubblico.
The daughter of Conatus won seven races highlighted by the Listed BRC Bright Shadow Hcp and Listed MRC Alinghi Stakes while banking $413,615.
China Horse Club/Newgate/Go Bloodstock/Trilogy shelled out $750,000 for Conatus’ I Am Invincible colt at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Named Portofino, he is in training with Chris Waller.
Palazzo Pubblico was covered by So You Think last year after missing in 2022.
