In a slogging finish to Saturday's Listed GH Mumm Stakes (1820m) at Eagle Farm, Godolphin's import Duca Valentinois (IRE) earned his first win in over a year.
Responding to hard riding from Tim Clark after receiving a cosy run on the rail, gradually overhauled the Kris Lees-trained Take It Intern (IRE) to win by a half-head with Chris Waller-trained Another Dollar a short-half-head back in third. (image Racing Queensland)
Winless in 12 starts since the Group III Lord Mayors Cup at Doomben in May last year, the James Cummings-trained son of Holy Roman Emperor (IRL) advances his record to 8 wins, 7 seconds and 4 thirds from 47 starts with earnings of $703,244.
"We thought the horse was in winning form his last four starts and getting Tim Clark on last start for a narrow second and a win today is just rewards," Cummings said.
"Tim really held his nerve on him today, he was sweating on a run and it was great to see him have that desire to the line once he got out.
"He's shot up in the ratings and he's another great example of an imported horse that's come over and done well.
"He has excuses once he gets up in the ratings, but he's carried weight well in the past at the Scone Cup and The Lord Mayor's Cup at weight for age and has added a listed win at the Queensland carnival now."
It was the fourth stakes win for Duca Valentinois (IRE) who is a son of the former shuttler Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) (image Mark Smith ) out of the Fruits Of Love mare Love Valentine who is a half-sister to Salsa Brava (Almutawakel) who placed in the Group II York Lowther Stakes and Group II Newmarket Cherry Hinton Stakes.
