After Durston (GB) won the Caulfield Cup, Bartholomeu Dias (GB) kept the ball rolling for Highclere Thoroughbreds when opening his stakes account at start 41 in the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
Ridden by Tommy Berry for Annabel Neasham, Bartholomeu Dias (Mont Nelson), made the most of his 5lk advantage over Just Folk (Magnus) to win by a half-length with Lord Vladivostok (Tavistock) back a long-neck back in third.
After making 18 starts in Britain for Charlie Hills, Bartholomeu Dias (GB) was sold to Australia after Sackvilledonald / Blandford Bloodstock / Ciaron Maher Racing shelled out 150,000gns at the 2019 Autumn Horses in Training Sale.
A winner at Flemington and Sandown in 15 starts for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Bartholomeu Dias (GB) made his first start for the Neasham stable in May.
Failing to run a place in eight starts in stakes, the 7yo gelding advances his record to eight wins, four seconds, and five thirds from 41 starts with earnings of $553,252.
“He’s such an enigma, this horse. He just loves 1800 metres. He won well at Eagle Farm at a big price and then we ran him in the Toowoomba Cup,” Neasham said.
“I think 1800 is his sweet spot. I was a little bit worried. With the ground deteriorating but I said to Tommy to ride him cold, ride him where he’s happy and if he turns up, he can win.
“He does this. He catches everyone out. Great for Highclere. Obviously, they’ve had a disappointing week with Durston out (of the Melbourne Cup). Hopefully, that has put a smile on their face.”
Neasham said the Eclipse Stakes is a possibility.
A son of Rock Of Gibraltar’s Group 1 Eclipse Stakes winner Mount Nelson, Bartholomeu Dias (GB) is the best of two winners from four to race out of the stakes-placed Montjeu mare Lady Francesca.
