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Tuscan Fire has recorded a career best win by taking out Wednesday’s $350,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2400m).
The Dan O’Sullivan-trained stayer has been a model of consistency this summer however went up another level when storming to a three length victory in the Listed Mornington Cup on Wednesday.
“To have the horse achieve this, it is a big thrill,” O’Sullivan said.
“He has come up so well and he has taken each step to get to Saturday level and everything went perfect today.”
Tuscan Fire was given a beautiful ride by jockey Glen Boss who kept the gelding out of trouble as the riderless Titch wreaked havoc with early leaders Shadows In The Sun and Travolta.
Boss had kept Tuscan Fire well clear of Titch’s anticipated path rounding the home turn as the pair began to reel in the early leaders.
The six-year-old was full of running upon straightening as he strode away to claim the $350,000 feature event at Mornington on Wednesday.
“He [O’Sullivan] has turned this horse out in unbelievable condition every time I have ridden him,” Boss said.
“He looked good parading and he gave me a great ride. He was so relaxed in the run.
“He has got a great attitude. He is very good on his feet, he breaks quickly and has great lung capacity
“It is my first Mornington Cup win.
“This track has been a nemesis for me. I would hate to see my strike rate here, it is shocking.
“I cannot ride a winner here so it great to get this one out of the way was very good.”
Mornington Cup Prelude winner Durnford ran second with Macedonian third.
Tuscan Fire’s latest win means the gelding is now automatically qualified for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.
Connections will make a decision on whether to pursue that path after an anticipated winter jumps campaign.
“He is qualified so he can get into the race but we’ve got a few things to get through between now and then,” O’Sullivan said.
“Vintage Crop was a jumper before he won a Melbourne Cup.”