The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Mr Tipla (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) landed the seventh win of his career when prevailing at Flemington over 1400m on Saturday under an intelligent Luke Currie ride.
Ridden back from barrier 12, the flashy grey tracked favourite Chief Altony and got first run on the punters elect, with Currie pushing the button and leaving the key rival in a pocket.
The six-year-old gelding has now won A$221,682 in prizemoney when prevailing by half a length.
“One word to sum him up, he’s just tough,” stable representative Sam Griggs said.
“He’s honest, you know what you’re getting from him. He has a penchant for the softer tracks but he’s gutsed it out well today for us.
“We knew when we drew that wide that we’d probably have to go back. Brendan (Hawtin), the assistant trainer, said that’s where he’d be and that’s where he was. The build up at the top of the straight, he’s come in to it and he’s hung tough the last 200m.”
Currie was delighted to ride a metropolitan winner for Busuttin and Young.
“By getting back, it gave him a chance to finish off,” Currie said.
“He had the favourite (Chief Altony) in front of him and in an awkward spot so I thought we’d take our chance and get going. We knew he’d be tough and fit and he was strong through the line.
“it’s nice to ride a winner for Nat and Trent.
“Trent tells me that I never give him a rap when I ride a winner for him. He’s been a mate of mine for a long time.”
Bred by the late Chris Luoni and wife Rosanna, Mr Tipla began his career in New Zealand, where he had two starts for Central Districts trainer Kevin Myers for a win and a placing.
Myers purchased the son of Echoes of Heaven for just $9,000 from the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale from the Luonis Woodridge Farm before trading him as a tried horse.
