Eliteone was rated a carnival horse after a brilliant 2yo debut at Ascot in May 2023 but it took him more than a year to win again for trainer Simon Miller and a syndicate managed by Mario Zito.
The son of Ridgeport Farm sire Ducimus can make up for lost time this season following a belated breakthrough in the TABtouch – Westspeed Platinum Hcp (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday. He was poised to strike in the three-wide line behind He’s Gold (Rogano) and powered home once given clear air by Brad Parnham.
Eliteone (4g Ducimus – Many Secrets by Viscount) was sold by Alwyn Park (as agent) for $80,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions and a second Saturday city victory increased his bank to $131,000 with the inclusion of $51,000 in Westspeed Bonuses.
Photo / Western Racepix
“He lost his way last season and hopefully that’s a confidence-booster,” Miller said following the authoritative win from Elbow Lounge (Sessions) and Requisition (Trade Fair).
“His action just wasn’t right and I may have been a bit hard having him ridden forward instead of sitting back.
“We went back to basics and he was placed first-up at Belmont last month before a unlucky run last weekend. He will probably stay at 1200m for now unless Brad reckons he’s ready to go further.”
Parnham took ownership of the second-up loss last Saturday. “We were boxed in and didn’t get a crack. I popped off the running line in plenty of time today and he went right on with it with a good turn of foot.”
Eliteone was bred by Rivercrest Park owner Steve Hoare before Ducimus transferred to Ridgeport Farm. His dam Many Secrets descends from Group 1 broodmare Most Secret (Bletchley Park) and she followed up with a filly and colt by Ducimus.
Ducimus also sired Northam maiden winner Lead by Example for Jeremy Easthope last Thursday and Boussac will be resuming soon for Meryl Hayley off a Belmont trial victory last Monday.
Ridgeport Farm stands Ducimus (Snitzel) at $5,500 alongside Rommel (Commands) at $6,600. Both fees (inc GST). For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).
