Godolphin’s Teofilo (IRE) gelding Character stamped himself a serious chance in next Saturday’s Group 1 ATC Derby with a convincing win in the Group III Yarraman Park Tulloch Stakes (1850m) at Newcastle on Monday.
With Tommy Berry in the saddle, the James Cummings-trained gelding sat close to the speed set by Zoumon. After a short battle the son of Teofilo (IRE) fought off Sword Point before holding the fast-finishing New Zealander Regal Lion (Jakkalberry) by a length with a further one and a quarter lengths back to Sword Point (American Pharoah) in third.
Stable representative Darren Beadman said Character is likely to back up in the Derby if he pulls up well.
“James (Cummings) mentioned that when I was driving up here that he’s still in the Derby so we will just see how he pulls up,” Beadman said.
“I made mention to Tommy that if you’re going to win, leave a little bit in the tank and a little bit on the bone because he might back up in a few days’ time.
“It was certainly a nice pipe-opener for him. Lovely ride in transit, he gave a beautiful ride, he had a nice bunny to follow turning for home. The conditions today were probably better conditions leading into a race like the Derby.”
Character finished midfield in the VRC Derby, but Beadman said he has improved this campaign.
“He had quite an arduous campaign prior to the Derby. He ran second in the Geelong Classic and then just jarred up a bit after the Derby,” he said
“But he is stoutly bred on the dam’s side. He is related to Fantastic Light, he’s by Teofilo who has sired Melbourne Cup winners. He ticks a lot of boxes. He’s not overly big but he’s got a lot of courage.”
Tommy Berry said Character will take plenty of benefit from the run.
“I think I have probably knocked that edge off him which is good, because the way he raced today; if he did that over 2400m it would probably find him out, but it might be a good thing for him. “
“He’s had a decent blow and they ran along quite well and I had to use him before the corner to get on the back of James (McDonald), so it wasn’t as easy of a run I would’ve liked to have had for him. In saying that I’ll leave that up to James, that’s what he’s best at.”
Character is the first foal of the talented Medaglia d’Oro (USA) mare Monogram. A five-time winner Monogram is a half-sister to Group II ATC Pago Pago Stakes winner Tarquin (Hard Spun), out of Daanet Al Dunya (USA) a sister to Fantastic Light, the Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse in Europe in 2001.
Daanet Al Dunya (USA) is also a half-sister to the Mr Prospector mare Wanice (USA) the granddam of Widen Stud’s Group 1 BRC BTC Cup winner Your Song.
Monogram has an unraced 2yo Kermadec filly named Stylised. After slipping in 2019 and 2020, Monogram was covered by Ghaiyyath (IRE).
Character becomes the 102nd stakes-winner worldwide for former Darley shuttler Teofilo (IRE).
