Warrior Of Fire became the 19th stakes winner for his sire Bianconi in the LR Hobart Guineas (2100m) at Elwick on Sunday.

It was the culmination of a long-range plan by trainer Jerome Hunter and owner-breeder Graeme Gathercole who are both based at Mornington.

“We started to think about coming here with this horse about a year ago,” Hunter said.  “If he comes through in good order we will more than likely push on to the Tasmanian Derby.”

Warrior Of Fire (3g Bianconi – Fire Vain by Tuscanos) had won a Bairnsdale maiden on December 16 and firmed from $21 to start at $11.80 in the Guineas.  He benefited from a perfect ride by Daniel Stackhouse to defeat local hopes Shiralee (Stratum) and Geegees Goldengirl (Worsmith).

Bianconi (USA) is based at Ridgeview Park and his latest stakes winner is the first foal out of Fire Vain who nailed the last of her 9 wins for Gathercole at Kilmore in January 2010.  The mare has a Zoffany colt on the ground and was bred back to Equiano in October.

There are five Bianconi yearlings entered for the Adelaide Magic Millions in March including Ridgeview Park’s colt from Encosta de Lago mare Cafe del Mar (Lot 298).  He’s a younger brother to OTI Racing three year-old Scherzoso who won at Morphettville on Boxing Day.

WARRIOR OF FIRE
Bianconi three year-old (rails) wins the Hobart Guineas
Photo / Peter Staples