Trent Crebbin - Racing and Sports
Pinarello, trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, was having his first start in Australia after missing a key lead up run in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2143m) at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.
A mild temperature spike and heavy ground saw Pinarello go five weeks since winning the Group 2 Trelawney Stud Stakes (2100m) in impressive fashion at Pukekohe, but his toughness shone through late after taking the lead early in the straight and fighting off Paternal by a head.
Co-trainer Roger James was full of praise for jockey Leith Innes, who notched up his 25th Group 1 winner.
"It was an inspired ride. I felt we could win it with the right ride and we got the right ride," James said.
Missing a lead up run may have been a blessing in disguise, with James suggesting Pinarello races well fresh.
"I thought it was of benefit to be honest. On Rough Habit morning, I thought we were going to run on an inevitably bad track. He has been a weak, frail horse this whole preparation. He'd been seven weeks prior to his last win and that was quite spectacular that day," James said.