Count Encosta staked his AJC Derby claims with a strong win in the Tulloch Stakes (Gr 2) at Rosehill this afternoon. Given a patient ride by Brenton Avdullah, Count Encosta (3 c Encosta de Lago – Sovereign Countess, by Sovereign Red) was still well back approaching the home turn but ran on really well to strike the front in the final 100m and win going away from Descarado.

This is the third win from seven starts for Count Encosta, who pleased trainer John Thompson with his improvement. “He’s done well since winning at Warwick Farm and it was a good, strong win today. Gelding him has done him the world of good, it’s made him a genuine horse and he is on the way up.”

Avdullah was full of praise for Count Encosta. “I thought when I won on him at Warwick Farm he would be a good Derby horse and he has kept improving.”

A $325,000 purchase from the Coolmore draft at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Count Encosta is a half-brother to Group Two winner Lieutenant.