A long way from the limelight of the Argentine and United Arab Emirates Group and Listed racing scene, a former superstar of the track, Tato Key, broke through for a low-key but very well-deserved victory at Corowa on Monday.
The nine-year-old was ridden an absolute treat by apprentice Alysha Warren, and despite carrying a mammoth 64kg after the youngster’s four-kilogram claim, he was able to find the front and hold on for victory in the 1000m Benchmark 66 Handicap.
Before the race, Wangaratta trainer Ben Brisbourne spruiked the chances of his 60/1 shot, suggesting Tato Key, at his very best, could put lengths on the field, and he wasn’t far wrong as the Victorian caused a huge boilover in the feature race on Corowa’s seven-race program.
“It’s great to get these old horses back in the winner’s enclosure,” Brisbourne said.
“I know it’s only a (Benchmark) 66, but it might just get his confidence back up; He’s a really sound horse; he just needed to bring his trackwork to the races.”
Warren, who’s indentured to Brisbourne, has kicked off her career in flying fashion, bringing up winners at Narrandera, Wagga, and Corowa in recent weeks.
“Didn’t Alysha ride him well, though; really, it’s a credit to her,” Brisbourne said.
“She made the horse’s mind up, got him in the right spot for the track pattern on the day, gave him a kick when he needed it, and held on super.
“She’s doing a super job and ridden a couple of winners for us recently, and that’s her fourth winner, so only one more for that four-kilo claim.”
Brisbourne was tickled pink after the win, and not just for Warren but for Tato Key, who has been on a journey around the world.
As a youngster, Tato Key was considered the most exciting sprinter in Argentina.
The Key Deputy gelding out of Tatiana Cat started 14 times for an incredible 12 wins, with his highlight victories being at La Plata Racecourse in the Group 2 Cuidad de La Plata (1200m) in 2017 and the Group 2 Manuel Belgrano Classic (1200m) in 2018.
Trained by Diego Peña, 11 of his 12 victories in Argentina were in Group and Listed company before he was sent to astute trainer David Marnane.
Returning to the track in 2019, all eyes were on the rich Argentine purchase, and Tato Key raced at Meydan (Dubai), finishing second to Drafted in the Group 3 Mahab Al Shimaal before finishing third – again to Drafted – in the Group 2 Jebel Ali Port.
After finishing down the track in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, Tato Key was sent to Australia, racing unsuccessfully for Chris Waller, Peter Moody, and David Vandyke,
“He is an Argentinean horse that ended up in Dubai, and from what I believe, he was then bought by Yulong (Investments) as a potential stallion/Everest slot contender and just hasn’t come up in Australia until today,” Brisbourne said.
“He changed camps a couple of times, and he’s found himself with us.”
Brisbourne has a knack for getting these older, tried horses back to their best, and he explained that it was simply a time thing with Tato Key.
“He was gelded late and had a bit of time off to get his mind right, and now he’s back in the winner’s enclosure,” Brisbourne said.
While Brisbourne won’t get ahead of himself, having a Group and Listed winner back near his best will be exciting, and connections will be eager to see if the old stager can rediscover that same form that made him famous in Argentina.
Tato Key wasn’t Brisbourne’s only winner at Corowa, with Winchester Rifle proving too classy in the 1400m Class One Handicap.
Ridden by the in-form Jack Martin, the four-year-old was stepping up from maiden class after a good victory at Wagga on July 15, but the Turffontein gelding, which started well in the market at $4.20, handled it nicely, leading most of the way in the seven-furlong event.
For all results from Corowa, click here.
