After a string of encouraging performances against stronger opposition, Il Patrigno has delivered a well-earned maiden victory, saluting in impressive fashion at Seymour on April 26.
The four-year-old had been knocking on the door leading into the run, finishing a close fourth of 12 at Caulfield on April 11 in BM64 company over 1400m, beaten just 1.4 lengths by Cavalry Scout. Prior to that, he was a solid fifth at Ballarat, also over 1400m, where he finished 2.5 lengths from the winner as a well-supported runner. Those efforts suggested a win was imminent, and the step to 1600m proved the key.
Contesting the $55,000 Haeusler’s Maiden Plate, Il Patrigno settled beautifully under Dylan Dunn, travelling comfortably within striking distance throughout. Turning for home, he quickly asserted his authority, producing a strong turn of foot to put the race beyond doubt and stride clear to a dominant three-length victory.
Prepared beautifully by the Macedon Lodge-based training partnership of John Symons and Sheila Laxon, the gelding showed both maturity and determination, breaking through at his ninth career start. He finished convincingly ahead of Regal Gent in second, with Cristaria filling the minor placing.
Il Patrigno, a grey-brown gelding by D’argento out of Defacto, has now opened his winning account and looks well placed to build on this performance.
Congratulations go to all connections and the team, whose work behind the scenes has been instrumental in guiding the gelding to this deserved success.