by Mike Curry

After finishing second three times in Group 1 races in the previous six months, Niconero closed from near the back of a 12-horse field to win the Rokk Ebony Futurity Stakes (Aus-G1) by two lengths on Saturday at Caulfield.

The Southern Hemisphere six-year-old Danzero gelding won the 2006 Fruit ‘n’ Veg Stakes (Aus-G1), but entered the 1,600-meter (7.95-furlong) Futurity Stakes off a string of races that included several near misses in top competition.

Niconero finished second at Caulfield in both the Sir Rupert Clarke Invitational Stakes (Aus-G1) on September 22 and the David Jones Toorak Handicap (Aus-G1) on October 13. He was beaten by less than one length in each race.

After unplaced finishes in the Tattersall’s Cox Plate (Aus-G1) and Emirates Stakes (Aus-G1), Niconero entered the Futurity off a runner-up finish, beaten by a nose, in the C. F. Orr Stakes (Aus-G1) on February 9 at Caulfield.

Trained by David Hayes for a partnership, Niconero dropped back to the rear of the field under jockey Craig Williams as did stablemate Miss Finland, a two-time champion in Australia.

Niconero launched his winning bid approaching the turn, drove to the front from the center of the stretch, and powered clear to prevail in 1:34.77 on turf rated as good.

Cargo Cult edged Miss Finland by three-quarters of a length for second.

Niconero is out of Group 3-placed winner Nicola Lass, by Scenis (Ire).

Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor