Mackintosh (NZ) Dominates Rough Habit Plate

The formerly Kiwi-trained Mackintosh (NZ) (Pins) headed a New Zealand-bred quinella in Saturday’s A$125,000 Group 3 Mittys Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben when he romped to victory over Cylinder Beach (NZ) (Showcasing).

The gelding was purchased at Karaka for $11,000 as a weanling by Byerley Park trainer James Bridge, who prepared him to win two of his first four starts.

The three-year-old is unbeaten in two starts since joining the Sydney stable of expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller, and Saturday’s dominant win by two and three-quarter lengths was his first black-type success. It thrust him into contention for next month’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m).

“He's an emerging New Zealand-bred gelding with the right bloodlines,” Waller said.

“We'd like to see him win like he did today at his next start in the Grand Prix, and if he can then he'll be a legitimate chance in the Derby.”

Mackintosh is out of the Generous mare Lolly Scramble (NZ), a half-sister to stakes winners Viennetta (NZ) (Pins) and Butterscotch (NZ) (Gold Brose). He has now won four of his six starts and more than A$150,000 in prize-money.

Runner-up Cylinder Beach went through NZB's Ready to Run Sale and has now earned A$183,650.