Owner Piccone eyes another Cleveland Bay
When it comes to his race horses, it is all in the breeding for an FNQ businessman. One of his stable stars is on track for Friday’s Cleveland Bay Handicap at Townsville.
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WHEN it comes to Peter Piccone’s race horses, the secret is in the breeding.
His passion has led the FNQ businessman into a number of quality horses over the journey — Cleveland Bay winner Grey Missile, multiple Brisbane winner Magnufighter, the consistent Divine Service, and others.
It was the same when it came to Monsieur Gustave, a winner of almost 25 per cent of his career starts, and one of the fancies in Friday’s Cleveland Bay Handicap (1300m) at Townsville.
Trained by Darryl Hansen out of the Sunshine Coast, the gelding has been slowly making his way north and looks to be at his peak this week for the time-honoured $65,000 northern feature.
Monsieur Gustave’s mother is a full sister to Lankan Rupee’s mother, a fact that was a driving force behind Piccone buying into the horse.
Lankan Rupee won five Group 1 races and collected $4.1 million in prizemoney, so it was a no-brainer for the local horse lover.
“I like following the breeding more than anything,” Piccone said.
“This horse was picked accidentally by former trainer Jason McLachlan, but once I saw the breeding I said I wanted to be in.
We could not believe how cheap he was.
“I love going to the sales, it is so fun — just the learning of it all. Some people have fishing and golf, I love all that stuff, too, but the sales are excellent to learn more.”
Piccone is thrilled and amazed by what the eight-year-old has produced across his career, winning $625,900 in prizemoney from 40 starts, after being a $34,000 purchase.
Monsieur Gustave drew wide in gate 14 on Wednesday, which connections were worried would happen, however, the Soft 5 rating of the Cluden track is in his favour.
Piccone has a small share in Grey Missile, who won the Cleveland Bay crown in 2018, and hopes to win his second on Friday.
Piccone says Monsieur Gustave is well weighted.
“Hopefully with this weight — down to just 60kg this week after carrying more in Mackay the other day — he will acquit himself well,” he said.
“We would love to bring him to Cairns for the Newmarket as well.”
Monsieur Gustave won races on end through mid to late 2017, which included Listed and Group 3 events.
LOCAL CB HOPES
Space Time and Tambo’s Heart (trainer Janel Ryan), Sword Of Justice (Lawrence Reys), Hidden In Heaven (Leanne Ashford), Cairns-owned Monsieur Gustave, former Gordonvale-based trainer Jay Morris has Tango Rain in the race.
Originally published as Owner Piccone eyes another Cleveland Bay