Maschino is covering upwards of 60 mares this season and Alwyn Park clients will be hoping they can breed one as good as Ascot’s opening-day winner Capricorn Man.
Capricorn Man continued the good run for owner Wally Daly and trainers Sean and Jake Casey on Saturday. Resuming after 11 months on the sidelines, he was sent straight to the front by Madi Derrick and wasn’t for catching in the Westpeed Platinum Hcp (1100m).
“He had some leg issues so we had to back off,” Jake Casey said. “He’s a big lump of a horse and seems to have grown every time he comes back into work. He’s most effective in the lead and was suited over this distance back at Ascot.”
Maschino (Encosta de Lago) sired him from Corvetto (Dylan Thomas) who is a half-sister to Group 1 sprinter Spark Of Life (AJC Galaxy & MVRC Manikato Stakes). Bred and sold by Steve Wallace at Blackwatch Stud, he cost $100,000 at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions.
Capricorn Man (Photo / Western Racepix) had won twice at Ascot before the long lay-off and Saturday’s result sent his earnings to $170,000 including $72,875 from Westspeed Platinum.
“That was a tough win,” Derrick reported. “We had to do a bit of work early and, once in front, we had to keep rolling. He slipped clear on the turn and was too strong.”
Blackwatch Stud bred two more foals from Corvette before her demise in April 2022. Her 3yo is a Sessions filly named Cessation with Tiarnna Robertson and her 2yo is a Ducimus colt registered as Leading Charge with Loloma Farm’s Kevin Fowler and Kelly Everett.
Maschino sired a well-bred maiden winner at York last Thursday when his 4yo gelding Shakerato got out to 1920m for the first time. Trained by Lou Luciani and bred in partnership with his better half Trish Roberts, the budding stayer is a full-brother to million-dollar winning stablemate Marocchino.
Shakerato sustained a long run for Troy Turner coming from second-last at the half-mile to get the better of Peters Investments mare Reliable Queen (NZ).
Brothers Mark and Paul Luzi are in both horses and they followed Marocchino during a productive prep last season sweeping the LR Northam Cup (1600m), LR Scahill Stakes (2100m), G2 Ted van Heemst Stakes (2100m) and Detonator Stakes (1800m).
Maschino had a half-dozen yearlings average $100,000 at the Perth Magic Millions Sale in February and he stands for a $9,900 (inc GST) with John Andrew at Alwyn Park in Serpentine.