Tagus has been a real solid performer for Patinack this season and today he stepped up to stakes class with aplomb, running out the comfortable winner of the City Of Adelaide Quality (Listed) at Morphettville.

Given a lovely ride by Peter Mertens, Tagus raced in behind the leaders to the turn but then had to wait for an opening in the straight. Once clear, Tagus quickened up impressively to go clear and he was untroubled in the run to the line to defeat Eau de Joie by two and three-quarter lengths.

The merit of Tagus’s win was confirmed by the watch. The final time of 1:33.79 is a new race record, an even better effort when remembering that Tagus carried the top-weight of 58 kg.

A five-year-old Encosta de Lago half-brother to Group 1 winner and foundation sire at Patinack in Casino Prince, whose first foals have been drawing rave reviews, Tagus has now won eight of his 29 races and earned $281,080.