The consistent Lindsay Smith trained Modello ($6.50) claimed a major victory today in the Crown Perth Sprint 1000m – outlasting a strong lineup of the state’s fastest sprinters on the final weekend at Belmont.
Aided by the minnow weight of 51.5kgs, apprentice hoop Ellie Cockram propelled the Snitzel 5yo down the outside of the track from its handy position to prevail by a short head from the fast finishing Darlington Abbey ($4.40).
Blacksmith ($31.00) added value to the exotics in claiming third, while raging favourite The Rising ($2.50 fav) failed to run on in the straight and crossed the line a disappointing 2 ¼ length fifth.
Modello was backing up from a brave run in last week’s Birthday Stakes which saw it attempt to lead all the way, only to be run down late in the race by Platinum Rocker.
It was the second win for Modella over the 1000m trip this time in, and its fifth five furlong victory at start nineteen – today’s result arguably its best to date.
Chris Blackwell