Testa Rossa gelding John Of Arch relished racing with the leaders on his way to a gutsy victory at Kranji on Friday night.

John Of Arch (7g Testa Rossa – Ascot Style by Geiger Counter) has won 9 races in Singapore since transferring off-shore to David Hill.  “He was entitled to weaken but he’s such a tough fighter,” Hill said.  “The trick is to give him time to get over his races and you have to ride him positively.  Otherwise, he goes to sleep.”

Vinery’s champion sire got him from Raheen Stud based mare Ascot Style.  She is a half-sister to Listed SAJC Fulham Park Plate winner Hollywood Fred (Sanction).

John Of Arch was sold for $45,000 at the 2006 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale.  Later that year he paraded at Karaka and made $105,000 at the NZ Bloodstock 2YO Ready to Run Sale.

Hill trains him for the All Star Stable and his prizemoney passed AUD 325,000 on Friday night.

Testa Rossa has sired the winners of 47 races in Singapore.  His world-wide total stands at 404 winners of 1209 races at a 71% strike-rate.

Raheen studmaster Basil Nolan has a yearling three quarter brother to John Of Arch by resident sire Publishing.

Raced by Lloyd Williams, Publishing was the highest priced Testa Rossa colt of his year selling for $250,000 at the 2005 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  His dam Sally Magic was runner up to Testa Rossa in the 1999 Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Publishing initially came to notice with a hat trick of wins by big margins in Melbourne.  He resumed from an injury enforced spell on the sidelines to capture the G3 VRC Standish Hcp at Flemington and G3 MRC Carlyon Cup at Caulfield.

Publishing’s first yearlings will be offered at the 2012 majors.  He stands for a $4,400 (inc gst) fee at Raheen alongside Captain Sonador (Shamardal) and Stromberg Carlson (Redoute’s Choice).