Godolphin's Teofilo (IRE) gelding Character disappointed in the ATC Derby after a convincing win in the Group III Tulloch Stakes (1850m) at Newcastle, but he was back on his pedestal in Saturday's Group II Treasury Brisbane Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
Ridden by James Orman for James Cummings, Character defeated the Prosir gelding Dark Destroyer by three-quarter of a length with the Dundeel colt Ashgrove a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.
Character advances his record to four two two from 16 starts with earnings of $476,665.
Stable representative Nacim Dilmi said the mile and a half of the Derby may have been a bridge too far.
"Obviously, it didn't pan out too well last start in a Derby, Dilmi said.
Today I told Jimmy (Orman) to ride him very similar to what Tommy Berry did a couple of starts back at Newcastle. He was very dominant back then and was quite dominant again today."
"The step up in distance last start probably got to the top of him.
"He made it look easy today and was very similar to Newcastle. He hit the front a little bit too soon, and he was wandering around waiting for others. It looks like he did that again today, but it was a very good win."
James Orman said the son of Teofilo travelled like the winner.
"He was just too good. I was the winner a long way out, I just had to find a run, and away he went," Orman said.
"I don't know if he ran the trip the other day. But the way he ran through the line then, you've probably got to have another crack.
"I would have liked him to relax a little bit more. He gave me a good feel running through the line.
"I think he appreciates the Queensland weather, so hopefully, they keep them prepping towards the Derby."
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) last spring.
