She has been a mare that has always shown plenty of promise and the Brad Widdup-trained Tintookie ($5.50) has returned in good order with a slashing win in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap over 1000m at Royal Randwick.
The daughter of Winning Rupert settled in the back half of the field over the sprint journey before being unleashed for one final effort down the straight under the urgings of jockey Kerrin Mcevoy.
The four-year-old displayed a sharp turn of foot to overhaul race favourite Our Kobison ($2.90F) by a long neck on the line, with early leader Tristate ($9) boxing for third a further length and a quarter in arrears.
Stable representative Andre Rabbett explained the riding tactics were all part of the plan.
“We said to Kerrin they will probably outpace her early over this distance and the main thing was to give her room,” Rabbett said.
“She is a lovely horse. A great horse to have in the stable and that’s a great return.
“She is very genuine and looks good for the future.”
McEvoy, who partnered the mare for two placings early in her career, was complimentary of the progress the Widdup camp had achieved with his mount. After racing exclusively in Saturday metropolitan grade when last in work, Tintookie will be now looking to take the next steps and possibly get some black type this preparation.
“I haven’t ridden her for a little while and Brad and his team has done a great job with her,” McEvoy said.
“She’s settled down mentally and grown up a lot as well physically, pretty happy with how she’s done it there.
“I was able to get into a spot just trailing behind them, but I like the way she finished and continued to maintain a strong finish all the way through the line.
“Once we straightened up I thought ‘I’m the winner now’ and she let go with a really good finish.
“Her trials have shown she’s in good form so it was pleasing to see her come and do it today.”
The victory brought up the fourth of her career with her earnings now soaring over the $280,000 mark.