The New Zealand-bred 9yo produced a grinding finish to capture the group 3 $25,000 Queensland Trotters’ Cup, 2138m, on July 25.
Il Pirata did his early racing in NZ before joining the Victorian stable of Andy Gath in March last year.
He won three of his first five starts in Australia and went onto win twice at Melton before transferring to Stephanie Graham’s team in Queensland.
The Queensland Cup was just his second start for Graham and took his career standings to 13 wins from 104 starts for $172,000.
Il Pirata was bred by RO and HN Paynter.
LOVE YOU mare Lucky Love NZ continues to make a mark with the on-track efforts of Yabby Dam Farms-bred CASH LOVER (trained by Jess Tubbs).
By French stallion Ready Cash, Cash Lover has only been racing this season and has won six of 12 starts.
Photo: IL PARATE (RaceQ)