Cismontane Comes of Age in Lexus Stakes

Karaka graduate Cismontane (NZ) (High Chaparral) showed all the attributes that New Zealand thoroughbreds are renowned for when he scored a tenacious front-running win in Saturday’s A$300,000 Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington.

The five-year-old had never raced at black-type level until September, when he finished 12th in the Listed JRA Trophy. Third placings followed in the Group 3 Sydney St Leger and Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup in his next two starts, and on Saturday he took another big step forward.

Sent straight to the lead by rider Stephen Baster, Cismontane dominated the race from the front. He looked vulnerable when he was challenged soon after turning for home, but showed terrific stamina and fighting qualities to cling on for a short-neck win.

"He's incredible,” said Adrian Bott, who trains Cismontane in partnership with Gai Waterhouse. “I thought he was gone on numerous occasions throughout the straight, but he kept digging in and kept fighting and was very strong late.

“It probably sounds ridiculous to say this now but he's only just learning what it's all about now he's just starting to put it together at the right time.”

Cismontane was bred by Windsor Park Stud, and his dam Viviane (NZ) (Volksraad) is a half-sister to Group One winners Sirstaci (NZ) (Silver Dream), Nimue (NZ) (Star Way) and Smiling Like (NZ) (Star Way).

Bought for A$200,000 at Karaka, Cismontane has won five races and A$424,425 for owners Glenvallen Investments Pty Ltd, Mr D H Kobritz, Mr J B Bongiorno, Mr D W Lilley, Mr C Tognolini, Mr S D Gorman and Ms K Waterhouse.

He will now take his place in Tuesday’s A$6 million Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m).