The unbeaten run of the classy Testa Rossa 3yo Testamezzo continued today at Belmont, with a stylish victory in the Stef Mangan Racey Ladies HCP 1000m.
Resuming from a dominant debut preparation which landed two comprehensive wins from two starts, Testamezzo ($4.60) again outclassed challengers – descending on its rivals inside the final furlong to race away with a stellar ¾ length result.
Coruscation ($8.00) battled away with its 59kg impost to capture second, with early leader Hey Bro ($8.00) clinging onto third a further half-length adrift. Race favourite Terror Force ($4.20 fav) failed to improve on its handy position to travel fifth throughout.
It was the first leg of a brilliant riding double for hoop Peter Knuckey, who would later be successful aboard Platinum Rocker in the feature Birthday Stakes 1200m at listed level.
Impressed trainer Dan Pearce will now head Testamezzo towards the “big time”, with plans for a Listed Belgravia Sprint (1200m) assault at Ascots opening meeting on the 19th October.
Chris Blackwell