Swettenham Stud’s Bianconi is challenging for a Top 10 spot on the Australian winners’ premiership after Royal Mail and Flyingconi completed a running double at Flemington on Saturday.

Flyingconi (4g Bianconi – Adulate by Flying Spur) improved his winning strike-rate to 50% with a fitting victory in the Flying Doctor Plate (1400m).  The race also doubled up as Heat 10 of the Swettenham Stud Summer Championship.

Trainer Shea Eden, who trains at Coronet Bay on the approaches to Phillip Island, said the best is still ahead for his up-and-coming gelding.  “He’s come on really well,” Eden said.  “I believe there’s still a little bit left in the tank.”

Flyingconi has qualified for the $100,000 Swettenham Stud Summer Championship Final at Sandown next Saturday, January 28 but it’s unclear whether Eden will butter him up off a seven-day break.

Flyingconi won his maiden at Sale in May 2011 and returned there to score first-up last month.  He broke through in town at Flemington on January 2 and doubled up at headquarters on Saturday.

Bianconi has sired 58 domestic winners this season and is right behind Show A Heart and Hussonet who are equal 10th on the table with 60.

Flyingconi was a $12,000 buy from Ballarto Lodge at the 2009 Adelaide Magic Millions.  His dam Adulate is a half-sister to G2 VRC Ascot Vale Stakes winner Spargo (Rory’s Jester).  Second dam Adraanito (Adraan) was raced by Michael Carlile to win the G2 SAJC Queen of the South Stakes.