Bianco Vilano delivers Ron Stubbs long-awaited Wagga Cup breakthrough
Securing the unusual Riverina feature double, Bianco Vilano saw off a strong opposition in Friday's Listed $200,000 Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) at Wagga Wagga.
Handled by veteran trainer Ron Stubbs, Bianco Vilano emulated only the fourth equine to land the Albury Cup-Wagga Wagga Gold Cup combination.
The feat was last achieved by Fawkner Park two years prior, with Abstraction (1989) and Dan Patch (1945) the only previous dual winners.
At $12, Bianco Vilano guided by Jason Lyon – who replaced the injured Tyler Schiller – prevailed by a shade over a length from $21 shot Villasaurus, while defending champion Flying Bandit ($12) was right there in third.
Stubbs boasts a stellar record with many Riverina feature successes over his distinguished career, but the Wagga Wagga Gold Cup had proven elusive until this victory.
"This is a huge thrill,'' Stubbs told Sky Thoroughbred Central's Graeme White.
"To be able to win both of them (Albury Cup, Wagga Wagga Gold Cup) is amazing. He has gone to another level.
"It was unfortunate Tyler could not be here today but I'm pleased for Jason. He does a lot of work for our stable, he is our stable jockey.''
Post-race, Lyon paid tribute to Schiller and revealed it "didn't go to plan early" for Bianco Vilano.
"But when we came out on the corner, I was pretty confident,'' Lyon said.
"We hit the front a bit early but he was just too good. He is very versatile as he's won from 1175m and now twice at 2000m.''
With his Wagga Wagga Gold Cup conquest, Bianco Vilano qualifies for the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick come Melbourne Cup Day, the first Tuesday of November.
John Sargent enjoyed a black-type double during the key Wagga Wagga card, starring the $200,000 Inglis 2yo Challenge (1200m) taken by eye-catching newcomer Global Goal.
Out of Fastnet Rock mare Tides – a close kin to Redoute's Choice, Manhattan Rain and Shoals – this Pinatubo two-year-old filly fetched $250,000 at last year's Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Dylan Gibbons steered Global Goal to a length-plus margin over debutant Friendly Fire from Gary Portelli's yard, who showed plenty of promise.
The trainer also ran out the rising three-year-old Cosmic Avenger in the $80,000 MTC Guineas (1600m), who closed off vigorously.
Tommy Berry had Cosmic Avenger back in the pack early, swept wide turning for home, yet quickened sharply to nab Godolphin's Coulter for a soft win.
David O'Prey from Wodonga saddled Rosie's Prophecy, piloted by Brendan Ward, for a shock triumph in the $75,000 Queen of the South (1400m).
In an earlier event, Gai Waterhouse of Hall of Fame fame observed highly pedigreed Eton storm to a resounding fresh-up win in the Super Maiden (1200m) by close to four lengths.
By top sire I Am Invincible from Waterhouse's double Group 1 winner English, Eton returned from 18 months sidelined by injury for his third outing, and the gelding's dominance indicates strong prospects ahead.
Discover the latest online bookmakers offering competitive markets for the Wagga Wagga Gold Cup.
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