The Ben Brisbourne-trained Fontein Jewel (Lucky Vega) has been a busy and consistent two-year-old colt, registering two wins from just five starts since mid-April. Following his maiden victory at Pakenham, he has now added an impressive Flemington win over 1420 metres to his building record.
Run at a genuine tempo, the race shaped as a testing 1420-metre contest for the two-year-olds, with Running Rich (Rich Enuf) and Gallantry (Brave Smash {JPN}) ensuring a solid pace throughout. Upon straightening, those near the speed were soon under pressure.
At the 300-metre mark, the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Ko Phangan (Ole Kirk) presented as a leading chance. However, Ryan Houston soon appeared aboard Fontein Jewel, who quickly took control and went on to score by three-quarters of a length.
Insolence (Street Boss {USA}), ridden by Harry Coffey, ran second, with Star Of Macedon (Zoustar) third making a strong run nearer the rail. An eye-catching run came from Helvecchio (Castelvecchio), who finished strongly out wide for a close-up fifth.
The win marked Brisbourne’s first Flemington success since being granted on-course stabling at Flemington in early May. While Brisbourne still maintains his Wangaratta base, where Fontein Jewel was previously trained, he was quick to credit the team effort.
“It’s our third Flemington winner, but the first since we’ve had a base here,” Brisbourne said.
“That’s a big tick and hopefully it gets us noticed a bit more, especially with the younger horses.
“It proves what we’ve put in place is working, and we’re looking forward to plenty more success.”
Brisbourne also noted the filly’s pedigree ties to a special horse in his career.
“She’s the first foal out of Fontein Diamond, who was my first big winner as a trainer,” he said.
“She’s put some toughness into her, and the stallion has added a bit of class. It’s brilliant for Chris (Morey) and Terry (Hurford), who bred her and support me every year, to get a result like this.”
Sales info: Fontein Jewel was bred and is raced by Mr Chris Morey and Mr Terry Hurford
Pedigree info: Fontein Jewel is the first foal out of the five-time winning mare Fontein Diamond (Turffontein). She is a half-sister to the five-time winner Written Up (Written Tycoon), who was successful in the Listed Bendigo Guineas.
Written Up is one of six winners out of Fontein Jewel’s grandam Octangle (Octagonal). Further extended family members include dual Group winner and sire Flying Pegasus, his Group 2-winning dam Cashier (Danehill {USA}), and Listed winners Milwaukee (Fastnet Rock) and Naantali (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}).
Since producing Fontein Jewel, Fontein Diamond has left a yearling colt by Tagaloa and has not produced a live foal since.
