The Gary Portelli-trained Royalzel completed a successful hit and run mission in Saturday's $160,000 Listed Kennedy Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) at Flemington.
Coming off an impressive winning performance on a heavy track at Rosehill, the 2yo son of Snitzel was buried away midfield before Ben Melham switched out to mount a challenge. Making light of his topweight of 59kgs, Royalzel let down impressively to win by three lengths from the Foxwedge filly Whatafox with a long-neck back to the Toronado (IRE) filly Celtic Glory in third.
It was a lucky pick-up ride for Melham after Craig Williams was forced to stand down when the Greater Brisbane area was declared a red zone during the week.
"Firstly, I have to make mention of Craig Williams," Melham said.
"Unfortunately, he couldn't ride, but I believe he had a part in the planning of this horse's preparation..
"He looks to have a good turn of foot, but he's had a few solid runs on heavy ground. Gary's very good with his two-year-olds, and they were proven right again today.
"I watched his replays and was very confident that the horse would run well.
"I did have it in the back of my mind that he'd had a solid first prep. He's a beaut little horse, though, really straightforward with a lovely attitude and a great turn of foot.
"He feels a bit brilliant to go much further at this stage of his career, but who is to say that as he matures, he's got the natural ability there, and Gary knows what he's doing.
"He will certainly be a contender in the spring."
Owned by Malcolm Russell, Royalzel was bred by Arrowfield Stud, who purchased his dam Royal Tithe for $300,000 through Freyer Bloodstock at the 2017 National Broodmare Sale.
A well-performed daughter of Show A Heart, Royal Tithe numbered the Group III Ken Russell Memorial Classic among her four wins while banking over $414,000.
Royal Tithe has a yearling sister to Royalzel and a weanling colt by The Autumn Sun. She was bred back to The Autumn Sun last spring.
While his four consecutive champion Australian sire titles will come to an end, Snitzel took his seasonal stakes-winners tally in Australia to 13, which only Fastnet Rock equals.
Royalzel becomes the 110th stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud's champion, who commands a fee of $165,000 in 2021.
