Antonio Lombardo Turns the Tables

The top colt Antonio Lombardo kept his unbeaten run as a three-year-old intact yesterday with a solid win in the Group 3 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m).

In a cracking field that included the likes of the Champion Two-Year-Old Anabandana (Anabaa), Soliloquy Stakes winner Holy Moly (Holy Roman Emperor) and Bonecrusher Stakes winner Artistic (Darci Brahma), Antonio Lombardo (NZ) (Pins x Petit Verdot) showed why he is considered one of New Zealand's best three-year-olds.

Ridden by jockey Sam Spratt, Antonio Lombardo hit the lead at the 1000 metre mark, much like his run in the Group 2 Hawke's Bay Guineas, and was left uncontested for the running. In the straight he maintained his lead and held off Anabandana and Karaka graduate Holy Moly to the post to win by one length.

A staunch rivalry, Antonio Lombardo and Anabandana have met on numerous occasions, the most memorable was their last as two-year-olds where they provided an exciting finish in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, where Anabandana won the race by a nose.

The son of Pins is having a brilliant three-year-old season for trainer Peter McKay and his fresh up win by six lengths in the Listed Westbury Stakes (1200m) indicated that he was back and would be a tough colt.

With the horse not heading for the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas, he will instead be aimed at the Group 1 Levin Classic on November 25. The win also sees him maintain his spot at the top of the Order of Entry for the Karaka 3YO Mile (Res.L) with a domestic rating of 93.

Bred by Robert Anderson, Cherry Taylor and Trelawney Thoroughbreds, Antonio Lombardowas bought by Peter and Kim McKay from Trelawney Stud at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $120,000. He has now won six of his twelve starts and over $415,000 in stakes.

To view the Order of Entry for the Karaka 3YO Mile which is based on New Zealand domestic ratings, click here.