VERMENTINO threw the first punch in the Group 3 Ipswich Derby heats, upstaging a short-priced favourite to launch an evening of mixed fortunes for punters at Purga.
Four heats over 457m produced wins for Corey Mutton, Jedda Cutlack, Michelle Sultana and Hassell Rolph, with Vermentino delivering the biggest upset at $23.
After struggling on his previous three visits to the track, the Mutton-trained chaser turned his fortunes around to beat $1.75 favourite Backcreek Butch in the opening heat.
“Very unexpected win considering the two favourites in the race but he will be fitter from that run and looking forward to the final,” trainer Mutton said.
Remember Bruce went one better in the second heat after finishing runner-up at his previous two starts over the same track and distance.
Favourite backers found further relief in the third heat when Aston Missile ($2.35) made a winning first appearance at Purga for trainer Michelle Sultana.
Arriving with 11 starts down south behind him, including a last-start victory at The Meadows last month, Aston Missile carried that winning form into his Queensland assignment.
McLuggage ($7) rounded out the heats with a performance worthy of his familiar footballing name, taking control early and leading throughout for Rolph.
Meanwhile, Professor Moana gave her rivals a lesson while Razor Hayze left her winning move until the shadows of the post as contenders staked their claims in the Group 3 Ipswich Futurity heats over the 457m.
The opening heat produced a thrilling finish, with favourite All I See ($2.45) finding the front and looking a strong winning chance before Razor Hayze ($5.50) swept home late to snatch victory.
Lakoda Bonnie ($4) made it two wins from as many starts over the journey in the second heat.
Professor Moana ($2) justified favouritism in the third heat, taking charge after outsider Gabby Girl ($31) fired out of the boxes.
The fourth heat delivered another keen contest, with favourite Bionic Hope pressing her claim with victory.
The finals for the Ipswich Derby and Ipswich Futurity will be run tonight.
