Estejo Springs Surprise in Premio Roma

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Estejo produced a huge upset in the Premio Roma at Rome's Capannelle Nov. 9, giving German trainer Ralf Rohne and jockey Daniele Porcu of Italy their first group I success.

The front-running Estejo, sent off at odds of 45-1, led at every call but was hard-ridden for the final quarter of a mile to defeat the closers Permesso and Once More Dubai by three-quarters of a length.

The 10-furlong event contested over heavy going. Permesso nosed Once More Dubai by a nose for second, with Papetti fourth in the 12-horse field.

A 4-year-old colt by Johann Cruyff, the German-bred Estejo had shown little this season to recommend him, running three times in group III events with his best a fourth-place finish.

After staking an early lead, the winner was pressed hard by Papetti for the last three-sixteenths of a mile. Permesso and Once More Dubai rallied from far back in the straight as Papetti faded in the final 150 yards. The final time was 2:06.7.
 

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