Third behind Profondo in the Spring Champion Stakes, runnerup to Hitotsu in the Victoria Derby, and third to the son of Maurice (JPN) in the ATC equivalent, Godolphin’s Teofilo (IRE) gelding Alegron had his moment in the sun on Monday in the 166th running of the Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington.
Given a masterclass by Damien Oliver, Alegron came with a weaving run from second last to defeat The Cunning Fox (Reliable Man) by two and a quarter lengths, with Fearentless (Fiorente) a further one and a quarter length back in third.
The Godolphin homebred advances his record to two wins, two seconds, and to thirds from 13 starts with earnings of $905,715.
Damien put him to sleep as he anticipated he needed to, and that is why he is the leading rider at Flemington this season,” Cummings said.
“He knows this track like the back of his hand and was able to weave a way through.
“The St Leger is such a time-honoured race, and it was a great honour to win it and to see this horse continue in the form he’s in.
“In these staying races, I view it as like he has only had four starts and has a formidable record at 2000m and above, and I think he can continue.
“He lacks a turn of foot but is a wonderful stayer. He is still working out what it’s all about. He mucks around going to the barrier, and is still a bit of a baby.
“Once he puts it altogether, he has to be a promising stayer.
“We will consider the SA Derby. It is a Group 1 and we have kept him lightly raced for a reason, and we will be looking to capitalize.
On pedigree, Alegron should be warming up at two miles.
He is the 112th black-type winner for Teofilo (IRE), the sire of Melbourne Cup winners Cross Counter (IRE) and Twilight Payment (IRE), and is the first foal of the Medaglia d’Oro (USA) mare Alegria, who was second to Libran (IRE) in the Group II ATC Chairman’s Hcp (2600m).
After missing in 2018 and 2019, Alegria foaled an Epaulette filly last spring before being covered by Dubawi’s triple Group 1 winner Ghaiyyath (IRE).
