The best way to describe Saturday's $300,000 Group III Lexus Stakes (2400m) winner Cismontane is that he is a tough, gritty, no-nonsense, professional, a typical product of Tulloch Lodge.
The 5yo son of High Chaparral earned a spot in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup when fighting back after the Geelong Cup winner Vengeur Masque (IRE) put a neck margin on him halfway down the Flemington straight.
Refusing to yield an inch, Cismontane rallied back to win by a short-neck from Vengeur Masque (IRE) with the John Wheeler-trained Pentathlon a short-head back in third after looking likely to break a drought that dates back to December 2015. (photo Grant Courtney)
Described by Stephen Baster as flat out to win a mid-weeker six months ago, Cismontane recorded a first stakes win to earn a shot at the $6.2 million feature at Flemington on Tuesday.
Third in the St Leger Stakes at Randwick and the Group II Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Cismontane advances his record to 5 wins, 5 seconds and 4 thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $425,925.
"A phenomenal performance, he's an incredibly tough horse, he keeps showing up every start this preparation and there's still a lot more to come from this horse going forward," co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
"We are very keen to see him in the Melbourne Cup the 3200 metres will suit him down to the ground, so looking forward to Tuesday."
Consigned by Windsor Park Stud
A year after purchasing Cismontane Gai Waterhouse teamed up with Henderson Racing & Breeding to purchase his half-sister by Rip Van Winkle (IRE) for $125,000.
That filly is the promising Awoke who has wins on the board at Rosehill and Canterbury.
Cismontane hails from one of Windsor Park's very best families.
He is the fifth foal of the Volksraad mare Viviane a sister to the stakes-placed Equuleus and a half-sister to Group 1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas and Group 1 Levin RC Bayer Classic winner Nimue (Star Way) as well as Group 1 Arc Handicap winner Sirstaci, Group 1 Wellington Cup winner Smiling Like and multiple Group III winner (Mr) Eurostar.
Viviane has a yearling filly by Zacinto (GB) and was bred back to Rip Van Winkle (IRE).
Cismontane becomes the 106th stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud's deceased High Chaparral (IRE).
