Consistent Snitzel gelding Scallopini kept the run going for trainer Steve O’Dea and Proven Thoroughbred with a fighting win in Saturday’s Listed Sunshine Coast Cup at Caloundra.
Ridden along by Boris Thornton to hold a prominent position early, Scallopini wore down the stubborn Nicconi gelding Niccanova by a long-head with a short-neck back to the Zoustar mare Persuader in third.
Scallopini had hit the board in 11 consecutive races before finishing eighth in the $1 million Snippets at his most recent start on Magic Millions Day at the Gold Coast.
Thornton was naturally delighted to earn a first stakes success and was greeted by his sister, leading apprentice Stephanie Thornton.
“Steph was extremely happy for me to get my first listed winner with her up here it’s just great,” Thornton said.
“Everything that could have went wrong went wrong on Magic Millions day and it’s a big credit to Steve, Matty and the whole team to keep him on track for this race.
“I can’t thank them enough for sticking by me, I knew he had the ability and its great to come out and show it, it means a lot it really does.”
Stable Representative Matt Hoystead said the son of Snitzel was deserving of a black-type win.
“It’s well deserved he had no luck last start Magic Millions day after lobbing in a wonderful spot behind Champagne Cuddles who unfortunately went amiss, and it was race over for us,” Hoystead said.
“We knew he was still in great shape coming into this race and to deliver a Sunshine Coast Cup win after that disappointment is a real pick up for the stable.
“We’ve always taken it slowly with him we’ve been patient but next preparation we’ll be looking to take the next step with him.
“Races like the BRC Sprint in the winter carnival are probably right up his alley, but he’s due for a couple of weeks in the paddock now till we re-access.
“Boris does so much work for the stable he earnt this ride and gave it a ten out of ten.”
Purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds/Steve O'Dea for $200,000 from the Yarraman draft at the 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Scallopini advances his record to 8 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $379,625.
Bred by Steve Gillard, Scallopini is the first foal of an unraced More Than Ready (USA) mare Rose Of Mulan who is a daughter of the crack racemare Lady Mulan (Bigstone) who won the Group II Light Fingers Stakes and placed in the Group 1 QTC TJ Smith Classic, Group 1 Coolmore Classic and Group 1 Flight Stakes.
Proven Thoroughbred's Jamie Walter and trainer Steve O'Dea secured a Rubick filly out of Rose Of Mulan for just $35,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
She has been named Red Rubi and won a barrier trial at Doomben on December 31.
Rose Of Mulan has a yearling filly by Rubick and a filly foal by Extreme Choice. She was covered by Showtime last year.
Scallopini becomes the 96th stakes-winner for Snitzel who has two lots at Karaka, three at the Inglis Classic, nine at the Inglis Premier and an amazing draft of 67 lots at Inglis Easter.
