Tinto Primed for Bernborough Stakes Success

Breaking through for a maiden victory at the highest level of Australian racing over winter, trainer Rex Lipp is confident talented mare Tinto’s credible run for third in the Listed Just Now Quality (1350m) over the weekend will figure as a key tune-up when taking to the stalls for the Listed Bernborough Stakes (1600m) at Toowoomba on New Year’s Eve.

Trainer Rex Lipp is confident in a successful tilt for Tinto in the 2014 Bernborough Handicap. Photo: Daniel Costello

Trainer Rex Lipp is confident in a successful tilt for Tinto in the 2014 Bernborough Handicap. Photo: Daniel Costello

Without doubt the current stable star for Lipp, Tinto charged home to win the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on May 3rd; placing a close second to Arabian Gold in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) on May 17th before securing an impressive length-and-a-half victory in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) on May 31st.

Having placed second in the Listed Travel Associates Classic (1200m) on her only other start prior to the Just Now Quality, Lipp is excited by the prospect of a rematch with runaway winner Tarloshan in the Bernborough Stakes over a far-more suitable running distance.

“We had to give the winner 5-1/2 kilograms. I just hope in an open company stakes race like the Bernborough we don’t get lumbered with something like 59.5 again.” Lipp told AAP.

“My mare will be a lot fitter for that run and as it turned out being drawn close to the fence didn’t help us.

“Also the winner loves wet tracks and while we handle them it might be a different story on the dry and over 1600 metres.”

Stamping her claims as one to watch from her maiden racing preparation in early 2013, Tinto comfortably won the Sky Racing Plate (1200m) on the Gold Coast on debut before finishing fourth behind the likes of subsequent Group 1 placegetter Hooked in the Hidden Dragon At Lyndhurst Handicap (1200m) in April.

Returning to racing over the 2013/14 summer, the Red Dazzler mare ran mid-pack in a minor over 1110m first-up before placing a commendable sixth in the Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m); returning to the paddock after finishing fourth in each of the Strathhayr Handicap (1200m) and Gold Coast Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).

Pleased with his runner’s performance for victory in the Just Now Quality, kiwi trainer Graeme Boyd is confident Tarloshan will also be suited to the Bernborough Stakes mile, revealing he is aiming to step the five-year-old up to 2000m over her current preparation.

“I would eventually like to try her at 2000 metres,” Boyd said.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.