
Tinto ends summer campaign on Magic note with Millions win
TOOWOOMBA mare Tinto wound up her summer campaign in grand style on Saturday with a commanding win in the $200,000 Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m) at the Gold Coast.
With the aid of perfect Tim Bell ride from the outside gate, Tinto ($5) finished stylishly in the home straight for a 1½-length win from Our Boy Nicholas ($6).
Sydneysider Off The Rails ($7) was another half length back third.
Tinto was bred at Cambooya's Eureka Stud and is raced by Grania McAlpine and Annabelle Raff.
The Red Dazzler-Truly Brave four-year was not offered at the Magic Millions yearling sale.
Saturday's win was her fifth from 17 starts for $736,200 prize money and followed her Listed Bernborough Handicap (1625m) at Clifford Park on New Year's Eve.
Her highlight three-year-old victory came in the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm in May.
Lipp praised Bell's winning ride, but the jockey saved his plaudits for Tinto.
"She's a gem this one," Bell told Sky Racing.
"She let down like the horse she is today. All credit to her."
Trainer Rex Lipp has singled out the autumn Coolmore Classic at Rosehill as Tinto next mission while the Doncaster Handicap is another possible Sydney target.
"This is it for her," Lipp said.
"She'll have an ease up now and go back to Eureka for a let-up, then we'll get her ready for Sydney."
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