Eliteone was one of several back-to-back winners at Belmont on Saturday and now he can go on and fulfill the potential that had been bubbling under the surface before a confidence-boosting breakthrough a fortnight ago.
Eliteone (Photo / Western Racepix) is a first-crop son of Ridgeport Farm sire Ducimus and was giving leaders six lengths into the straight before nailing Influencing (Oratorio) close to the post.
Trained by Simon Miller for a syndicate managed by Mario Zito, he was an eye-catching 2yo debut winner at Ascot but lost his way as a 3yo last season. “It’s good to see him put a couple together,” assistant-trainer Kelly Kinninmont said. “He’s a beautiful mover and paraded perfectly today.”
Jockey Brad Parnham has found the key to getting the best out of Eliteone since taking over the reins this season. “Riding him on the speed didn’t work in his favour. He feels much more comfortable sitting back and then using that turn of foot.
“I followed Mean Machine and received a nice cart into the race. He let down well and was really strong through the line.”
Eliteone (4g Ducimus – Many Secrets by Viscount) made $80,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions and Saturday’s victory increased his bank to $185,000 with the inclusion of $71,000 in Westspeed Bonuses.
He was bred by Rivercrest Park owner Steve Hoare who stood Ducimus for Orbis Bloodstock until he was purchased by Ridgeport Farm owner Santo Guagliardo earlier this year. His dam Many Secrets descends from Group 1 broodmare Most Secret (Bletchley Park) and she followed up with a filly and colt by Ducimus.
Ridgeport Farm sire Rommel was also in the Belmont frame on Saturday after Desert Nymph made it four wins in five starts this season in the Perth Racing Carnival Staff Hcp (1400m). The most consistent mare in training is prepared by Michelle Hagley for her mother Kate and has earned $219,000 off a price-tag of $16,000 as a yearling.
Ridgeport Farm stands Rommel (Commands) for $6,600 alongside Ducimus (Snitzel) at $5,500. 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).
