The winner of three races on his home track at Kembla Grange, the Glenda Markwell-trained Angel Of Truth made a winning trip to the big smoke on Saturday when leading all the way in the Group II Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill and in the process earned his chance in next weeks Group 1 ATC Australian Derby.
Well beaten when fifth over 1900 metres on the same track at his most recent start, the son of Animal Kingdom (USA) became the third consecutive winner on the day to lead all the way.
The dual Group 1 winning New Zealand Madison County (Pins) came down the outside and looked the winner at the 200 metres but his run ended and Angel Of Truth safely held him to win by two lengths with Cossetot (Epaulette) three-quarter of a length back in third. (image Steve Hart).
"I thought his runs were very, very good. He hasn't had that many miles or that much racing under his belt to compete in these staying races," Markwell said.
"I just thought when he went to 1350m and then he came to 1900m he needed it last time and he was wide with no cover all the way.
"Corey Brown is one of my luckiest jockeys, so it was just very exciting when I knew Corey was going to ride him. When the horse got off the truck today he had a spring in his next step, I thought he'd run well.
"He jumped in front himself and he cantered in front. I thought 'they're walking here' so he was going to be hard to run because he just keeps coming.
"He may go the Derby. Let's hope so."
A homebred for Ross Williams' Superhorse Trust, Angel Of Truth advances his record to 4 wins from 7 starts with earnings of $188,825.
His dam Scarletini (Bernardini) won up to 2400 metres in Melbourne. She was raced by Team Valor who also raced the Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom (USA).
Ross Williams purchased Scarletini for $80,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale when carrying the Tulloch Stakes winner.
Her unraced dam Red Light (Red Ransom) is a half-sister to Listed winner Franjelica (Snippets) hails from the international family of Trillion, Triptych and Generous.
Scarletini has an unraced 2yo Uncle Mo (USA) filly named Jetline and a yearling filly by WS Cox Plate winner Adelaide IRE).
Not served in 2017, Scarletini was covered by Stratum Star last spring.
Angel Of Truth becomes the 10th stakes-winner for Animal Kingdom (USA) who shuttled to Arrowfield for four seasons, the last in 2017.
