Tivaci’s honest son outstays rivals

Verifier posted a richly deserved victory on the Hillside track at Sandown after genuine performances this preparation.

The Nigel Blackiston-trained son of Tivaci had placed in three of his previous four appearances and the step up to 2400 metres brought out the best in the four-year-old.

As is his custom, Verifier settled toward the back of the field before rider Declain Bates made his move 800 metres from home.

The four-year-old rounded the home bend wide out on the track and held a sustained finish to overwhelm his rivals.

“He’s been very honest and the owners have been very patient,” Blackiston said.

“He needed the bigger track to build momentum and he’s done a good job.

“He tracked into it nicely and found the line well and Declan rode him very well.”

Verifier was an A$80,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase for Blackiston and is the first live foal of the Savabeel mare Checkout, who is a daughter of the G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes winner Shopaholic.

From the family of the late multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire Sacred Falls, Checkout has an unraced juvenile filly by Ocean Park, a daughter and son of Super Seth and is in foal to Ardrossan.