NSW’s Painting lands QBRED Triad Final with Im El Arquero

A trip north has proved fruitful for Riverina trainer-driver Jackson Painting as his colt Im El Arquero (Bling It On) captured the Group 1 QBRED Triad Final for 2YO Colts & Geldings at Albion Park on Saturday night.

Beginning from the inside of the second row, Im El Arquero booted through to trail the leader Maywyn Son Of Lou. The first quarter was run in a fast 26.7 split and they never truly slowed down, as the next three fractions were posted in 29.1, 27.9 and 28.2.

It was a match race in the home straight with Maywyn Son Of Lou going for home and Im El Arquero in pursuit. That pair started to put a space on the rest of the field. Race caller Chris Barsby summed it up perfectly in the final 50m of the race, exclaiming “who wants it more!”

When they hit the line, Im El Arquero had answered the question. He simply wanted it more, landing Group 1 glory and the lion’s share of the $150,000 prizemoney. The mile rate was a blistering 1:51.9.

IM EL ARQUERO 22 AUG REPLAY

It was Im El Arquero’s second career win at his fifth start. He started $5.50, beating Maywyn Son Of Lou by a half-neck, while Cattlecall ran third, some 13.8m away.

Im El Arquero won on debut at Young in April before an unplaced run as $1.25 favourite at Coolamon. His run in the heat was eye-catching when held he was held up down the back straight before giving chase to Hunt For Glory who had at least a 15m break on him.

The win was special for Painting, as it was his first Group 1 success as a trainer. As a driver, Painting won his first Group 1 race in 2022 when steering Rocknroll Runa to win the TAB Regional Championships Riverina Final.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Trent Orwin for Harnesslink