Military Gambler gave Ridgeport Farm sire Rommel his first interstate feature victory in the $125,000 Toowoomba Cup (2000m) on Saturday.
Making light work of a wide barrier and a double-figure quote, the good-looking grey sat on the speed and then responded to hold off all challengers in the straight.
“I can’t remember the last time he carried 53kg,” trainer Chris Munce said. “He’s been crucified ever since beating (Group 1 winner) Startantes as a 2yo at Doomben but has matured into a nice horse. All his runs this prep have been pretty good and he deserved this.
“He loves stable life and racing and I loved him from the moment I saw him as a big, raw-boned yearling.”
Military Gambler (pictured) had been sent to the Sunshine State in utero after his Ascot-winning dam Call To Ransom (Red Ransom) changed hands at 2018 Magic Millions Perth Winter Sale. He was on-sold by Toowoomba breeder Neville Stewart for $60,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and has since earned $344,000.
Call To Ransom had foaled the winners Call To War (War Chant), City Ransom (City Place) Scandal Maker (Scandal Keeper) after winning an Ascot 2yo race for Neville Parnham and Yarradale Stud’s Ron Sayers.
Rommel mare Madam Kisses had opened her account for trainer Donna Riordan earlier in the day over 1000m at Belmont. She won with ears pricked to defeat Rommel gelding Pacific Boxer by a length.
Madam Kisses had won four sprints for Bernie Miller before changing yards late last season. “She was beaten by a good horse (Paddy’s Flyin’) first-up and had 60kg today,” Riordan said. “She’s only small so we used Vicki Corver’s claim. She has a short, sharp kick and Vicki did a great job riding her to instructions.”
Rommel sired her from Lynward Park-bred mare Lisetta (Bletchley Park) who won at Ascot and Belmont for trainer Paul Jordan and a Harvey Crossman-managed Lima Syndicate. Her latest foal is a colt by Hi World (High Chaparral).
Ridgeport Farm stands Rommel (Commands) for a $6,600 service fee (inc GST). For bookings or further information, please call Santo Guagliardo (0419 948 046) or Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231).
