Hitting forty is invariably a substantial milestone and so it was for the veteran SCALLOPINI at Flemington on Saturday.
In a display of sustained speed that belied his eight years, the SNITZEL gelding showed his more youthful rivals a clean pair of heels to take the Listed 1400m Elms Handicap at start number 40!
It was the gelding’s 12th victory and his 5th at Stakes level that sent his earnings crashing through the million dollar barrier prompting warm praise from co trainer Matt Hoysted.
“He’s an old marvel, he just keeps coming up prep after prep and as an eight year-old is in career best form,” said Hoysted.
“I thought he might be a touch vulnerable today, second up from a spell with a month between runs and a big weight (60kg) from a wide alley (13 of 15). But once you get him into a nice rhythm he loves these big open spacious tracks and we are so proud of the horse and the whole team.”
The son of SNITZEL’S sparkling form especially in Melbourne, in what numerically should be the twilight of his career, is all the more remarkable when you consider he debuted as a Spring 2YO!
However, subsequent growing pains that required 12 months away from the races, was arguably the making of him. Like the promising THINK ABOUT IT, another Proven galloper who’s won 5 of his 6 starts after having a year in the paddock because of a hind leg problem.
Time is the friend of most racehorses but in a hurried world, patience is becoming an elusive quality in many contemporary racing stables. SCALLOPINI and THINK ABOUT IT are testimony to the expertise and patience of their respective trainers, Steve O’Dea/Matt Hoysted and Joe Pride.
Along with Kerry Parker, the trio have compiled 10 winners (1 Stakes) already for the Proven stable in 2023 and accrued more than $650k in prizemoney.
That’s a tough win! 😤
Scallopini remains unbeaten at @FlemingtonVRC ✌️ @LaneDamian @ODeaHoysted pic.twitter.com/scBuleXOiI
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 18, 2023