The Darren Beadman trained Interlocuter was the punters elect in the opening race of the day at Scone on Saturday but it was an Albury trained gelding fast building a reputation for an occasion that saluted in the Kia Ora Stud Benchmark 78 (2200m).
It was well documented that the Godolphin stable has higher aspirations for their imported galloper and ahead of Saturday’s race Interlocuter was crunched in the betting from $2.10 into a $1.85.
The four year-old looked to be travelling towards a third win in five starts after being aided by a lovely run in transit from Tye Angland.
But at the 600-meter mark Lautaro, an outsider in the betting, emerged into the clear.
Andrew Dale’s five year-old gelding had been sitting on the back of Tye Angland with apprentice jockey Andrew Adkins onboard.
Stalking the favorite all race, Lautaro eyeballed Interlocutor at the top of the lane where it was clear he had the favourite’s measure.
Lautaro would go on to score comfortably by one and a half lengths for his seventh career win.
After taking out the Country Championships Qualifier first up and performing well in the Wagga Cup, Dale’s execution and planning has come to the fore and has netted his connections over a $135,000 this preparation.
Dale said he was surprised there where people doubting his placement after electing to go to Scone on the eight day backup.
“I know the horse inside out, he pulled up great after Wagga, and I genuinely believed the race was big drop in class from the Cup,” he said.
Wagga Cup winner Stampede confimred Dale’s confidence taking out the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Dooomben.
