A trip to Brisbane proved well worth the effort for INSENSATA, claiming the Children's Hospital Foundation Class 6 Plate over 1600m. Jumping from the inside gate, jockey Ron Stewart found a comfortable position for the mare on the rail off-midfield. The larger course and sweeping turns of Eagle Farm were appreciated by the five year old, only having to go around one horse in the straight. Kicking well coming for home, the mare by BENETEAU drew level with SHOGUN SUN at the 100m mark and went on to win by 1.25 lengths. The victory was her sixth win, taking her total prizemoney to $377,285 - a nice return for a mare purchased for $28,000 as a yearling at the Scone sales.
One week later and VALENTINO ROSSA had his first run in Melbourne, taking his place in the Australian Trainers' Association Handicap over 1800m. Jockey Chris Symons took advantage of the inside draw, placing the gelding in a handy position off the pace before electing to drop back to midfield off a strong tempo. The Flemington straight proved a little crowded for the son of TESTA ROSSA, however once he got some room to move he ran on solidly to take second.
