Perth Cup placegetter Kirov Boy will stay in training for a tilt at the Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups in March.

Kirov Boy proved he had recovered from a gut-buster on New Year’s Day to win the Westspeed Stayers Bonus Hcp (2400m) last Saturday.  After being headed in the straight, he climbed off the canvas to defeat Dragonlead by a half-head.

The front-running gelding is usually partnered by veteran hoop Danny Miller but owner-trainer Arthur Mortimer took advantage of Emma Stent’s 3kg claim to alleviate top-weight of 63.5kg.  “He’s as tough as old boots and keeps thriving,” Mortimer said.  “Emma rode him just like Danny.  Take off and put 8 lengths on them at the 1600 metres – go quiet – then run home.”

Kirov Boy (5g Zentsov Street – Bella Pia by Dante’s Fury) high-balled to a 7 length victory in the ATA Hcp (2200m) before the Perth Cup and his stats improved to 6 wins in 27 starts on Saturday.  He has earned over $212,000 and will bank more in the $120,000 Bunbury Cup (2200m) on March 12 and $120,000 Pinjarra Cup (2400m) on March 29.

Mortimer bred him by using Zentsov Street (USA) who has been based at Yarradale Stud since 2005.  The son of Nureyev was Group 1 placed in the Dewhurst Stakes (1400m) at Newmarket before transferring to the USA.  He was a Listed winner of the In Excess Stakes (1600m) at Santa Anita and was Group 1 placed again in the Hollywood Derby (1800m).

Kirov Boy’s city-winning dam Bella Pia (Dante’s Fury) is a half-sister to Mortimer’s top-class mare Tribula (Tribu) who won 10 black-type events topped by the G2 Lee-Steere Stakes in 2001.   Bella Pia has a yearling half-brother to the tearaway stayer by Yarradale stallion Scandal Keeper.