Gai Waterhouse was in her element after winning the Melbourne Cup with Fiorente.

And while Racing’s First Lady was centre stage at the Flemington presentation, it was business as usual back home when her promising colt Vitello won the Built Hcp (1800m) at Randwick.

Vitello (3c Snitzel – Samal by Timber Country) is owned by Bangaloe Stud’s Julia Ritchie, Kate Waterhouse and Western Australian breeders Alan and Sue Olive.  He had won a Kembla Grange maiden in September and looked right at home when graduating to a narrow victory in town.

“He’s honest and tries every time,” Gai said.  “He’s a card-carrying example of a warrior who battles all the way to the post.  On his work, I suggested to the owners he was in with a definite chance.

“The way he lifted when challenged in the straight indicates he’s really a progressive colt with a big future.  And for him to win just 30 minutes after the Melbourne Cup really kept the stable’s momentum going.”

Vitello is by Cox Plate winning sire Snitzel and cost $220,000 at the 2012 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  His dam is an unraced half-sister to Tempest Morn who was a Group 1 winner of the SAJC Australasian Oaks and STC Ansett Stakes.

The Thunder Gulch mare was a Waterhouse favourite – one of her Doncaster Avenue stables at Randwick is named Tempest Morn Lodge.

Vitello is one of five graduates from the Magic Millions that Alan and Sue Olive race in partnership with the Waterhouse family.  The best to date has been G1 Caulfield Guineas runner-up Divine Calling who was recently sold to Hong Kong.

The Olives operate Gold Front Thoroughbreds north of Perth.  They stand Slater (Redoute’s Choice) for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee.  Broodmares owners can contact Sue Olive for further information on 0417 937 606

– Karl Patterson