Group One Prospect for Nicconi

Trainer David Hayes said he would like to showcase Faatinah on the world stage after the Nicconi gelding blitzed a quality field in Saturday’s Group II Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington.

The Shadwell colour bearer was having his first outing since finishing fifth in the Group I SAJC Goodwood at Morphettville in May.

Settled in a forward position by apprentice Regan Bayliss, Faatinah came clear in the closing stages to win the 1200 metre sprint by one and three-quarter lengths.

Winner of the Group II SAJC Euclase Stakes at Morphettville on May 5, Faatinah advances his overall record to 4 wins, 1 second and 1 third from 9 starts with earnings of $361,280.

“He’s made rapid improvement this horse and I’d love to take him to Dubai and show him off to the boss,” Hayes said.

“He’s a proven straight track horse and they are a rare commodity. He was in front a long way from home but did it well,

“I think he’s got the same ability as his sire and he won at Group One level.

“He’ll come back here for a race on Turnbull day and then the sprint on Derby day,” Hayes said.

“If he can be good in those races then I’d love to take him to Dubai next year.

“In the autumn he could easily measure up against the best. He’s a dual Group Two winner now and can go higher I think.”

Foaled and raised at Yarraman Park for Shadwell, Faatinah is the best of four winners from imported Danehill mare Alqwah (IRE), who comes from the family of NZ Horse of the Year King’s Chapel.

Nicconi also had a smart winner at Rosehill where Quatronic won his fourth race from six starts when saluting in a Highway event to take his earnings past $100,000.