After four placegetters including Flemington second Ranveer, Winning Rupert is off the mark with the Roy Chillemi-trained filly Vienna Cruise leading all the way in an eventful 1000m QTIS maiden at Townsville on Tuesday.
Shortly after the start Craiglea Bandit unseated Graham Kliese, severely interfering with Figured who tailed off.
Making her third start, Vienna Cruise jumped smartly for Stephen Wilson to take up the running. She came under attack in the straight before repelling all challenges to win by a long neck.
Purchased by Group 1 Pty Ltd for $65,000 out of the Kenmore Lodge draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, Vienna Cruise is the first foal of the talented Jet Spur mare Vienna Queen, the winner of six races and over $223,000.
Beaten just once in six starts, Winning Rupert stands at Newgate Farm for a fee of $16,500. The flying son of Written Tycoon has 18 lots catalogued for the Gold Coast, 11 at the Inglis Classic and four at the Inglis Premier.
