Teofilo colt Palentino could back up in next week’s G2 Sandown Guineas after displaying an explosive turn of foot to win the Listed Hilton Hotels & Resorts Stakes over 1400m on Stakes Day at Flemington on November 7.
A maiden winner at his previous start, Palentino handled the step up in grade with ease for this year’s Melbourne Cup-winning combination of jockey Michelle Payne and trainer Darren Weir, despite settling back in the field and being caught wide.
Palentino finished strongly on just his third start to chase down New Approach gelding Demonstrate, who had shot clear and looked the winner halfway down the straight.
Bred by Mrs Jl Watson, Palentino is from Palace Music mare Palatine Hill, who is from the family of Stakes winners Sublimity and Rather Grand.
Teofilo has enjoyed an excellent year on the racecourse, with multiple G1 winners Pleascach and Kermadec heading up his 19 Black type winners. A further seven of his runners have placed at G1 level this year, including star miler Arod.
Teofilo stands at Kildangan Stud for €50,000 October 1st, Special live foal.
