Blinkers a must for Rancho Montoya: Browne

Jockey Damian Browne recommended the addition of blinkers to Rancho Montoya’s race day gear after the promising colt was beaten into a third place in a blanket finish at Doomben.

Tough gelding Umberto ($10) won by a nose to Legadama ($6.50) with a short neck to Rancho Montoya ($3.30).

Rancho Montoya’s trainer Stu Kendrick missed the run because he had returned to his Caloundra stables because of nearby bushfires.

“He switched off and blinkers might do the trick. But I am a bit disappointed I thought he was better than that,” Browne said.

Rancho Montoya will step up to 1600m at his next start before Kendrick decides whether to head to Melbourne for the spring carnival.

Umberto’s trainer Tony Gollan was also absent, campaigning smart sprinter Most Important in Melbourne.

Stable foreman Holly Williams said the win had not been a surprise as Umberto was working well.

“It was a good run as he was wide without cover and he might win over longer now,” she said.