Drama-Charged Lead Up Ends in Megastar Glory

IT was almost over before it began but Umberto has raced to a memorable victory in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Dapto Megastar (520m).

For caretaker trainer Peter Lagogiane he had to win two races to annex the south coast flagship, the first just getting to Dapto from his Llandilo base.

A major truck accident on the Hume Highway turned what should have been an 1 ½ hour trip into a 3 ½ hour marathon which resulted in Lagogiane arriving at Dapto not a moment too soon.

On the track it was arguably an easier assignment, with Umberto, trained by premier Victorian mentor Jason Thompson, making full use of his box one draw to land the group 1 showpiece in a flying 29.60.

And while the overall time was first-rate, the son of Bernardo's 5.30 and 16.97 sectionals were nothing short of sublime.

⭐️ Umberto is the Megastar! ⭐️

The @ladbrokescomau @DaptoG Megastar is on the way to Victoria with Umberto clocking 29.60 in his win over Mortified!

Umberto, Mortified & Remember This are all now off to the MDC Semi-Finals!#thedogs @WatchDogRacing pic.twitter.com/6NUTIm2BC3

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) September 7, 2023

"Very proud to get the job done for Jason and Seona at home in Victoria," Lagogiane said.

"Jason sent the dogs up here with a plan and to play a role in getting the result tonight is very satisfying. It's funny I've been more nervous this week than I am with my own dogs.

"It's been a really stressful afternoon getting here but to be able to cap it off with a win is great. The dog has gone super."

Now a winner at 12 of his 25 starts, Umberto (Bernardo x Triscay) not only scooped the $75,000 first prize with his Megastar triumph but also secured a place in the Million Dollar Chase semi-finals on October 6 along with placegetters Mortified and Remember This.

"What a gallant run by Mortified," Lagogiane said.

"To take ground off Umberto running those sections is just a massive effort. What a great bitch she is. Look out for her when she gets to Wenty."

With heats of the Group 2 Black Top slated for The Gardens on Friday week, Lagogiane said the next 24 hours will decide whether Umberto and Stealth contest the Hunter Valley feature which he won last year with French Martini in track record time.

"We've done mission impossible"

The drama of earlier in the evening was all worth it for caretaker trainer Peter Lagogiane, with Umberto victorious in the G1 @ladbrokescomau Dapto Megastar!#thedogs @watchdogracing pic.twitter.com/ixz86JQUIG

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) September 7, 2023

"We'll enjoy tonight and see what Jason wants to do but it's definitely an option – both dogs would love The Gardens the way they race," he said.

As well as tasting group 1 glory at Dapto, the all conquering Thompson kennel enjoyed a winning double at Sandown Park, with sprint sensation Postman Pat recording an electrifying 29.15 success while budding young star Tim Zoo was also hugely impressive in victory.

Postman Pat secured his MDC semi-final place with his fourth placed finish in the recent Group 1 National Sprint Championship at The Meadows.

He is currently a $6 all in favourite for the $1m-to-the-winner event at Wentworth Park on October 13.