4 Win Friday - Bello Mio Beautiful

Ready To Run Sale purchase Bello Mio (3 g Deep Field - Bella Francesca, by Master Of Design) streaked clear to win the $14,000 Donaghys Maiden 1050 metres on 23 December at Matamata.

In August at Te Rapa, Bello Mio kept up a big run when winning his trial before a notable debut effort for sixth to stable-mate Time Flies (Time Test) in the Maiden 1050 metres on 29 October at Matamata. Given time since, he sustained a strong run to win at the trials on 29 November at Avondale, and certainly had the credentials to suggest a bold showing.

From third last, and six lengths astern at the 600m, Bello Mio swept up wide rounding the home turn, pounced to lead mid-straight, and raced clear under Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin to score by nearly four lengths.

“It was a nice win and he's a progressive type of horse,” said trainer Mark Walker. “He showed a good turn of foot and he should keep improving as he matures.”

On footing upgraded to Slow7, Bello Mio ran 1050 metres in 1:03.0, last 600m and 35.5, and paid $4.80 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

Owned by Te Akau Deep Thinkers Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Bello Mio was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $140,000 at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Kiltannon Stables.

“He is stabled in the Middle Barn, where Kendyll Lee and Nicole Shailer do such a great job,” said racing manager Reece Trumper.

“He keeps improving in his attitude and Joe (Kamaruddin) rides him in all his work, so fitting that he gets on race day and was rewarded with the win.”

By current top-10 Australian stallion Deep Field (Northern Meteor), Bello Mio is from Bella Francesa, out of Palatine Hill (Palace Music), and therefore a half-sister to dual Group One winner Palentino (Teofilo).

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “He's a nice athletic colt by a sire that's doing a good job at stud, out of a young mare that is a sister to a dual group one winner.

“We expect he will come into his own as a three-year-old. He walks well, good attitude, and we were happy with the way he breezed up. Not rushed early, but once up and running he looked really good in his action and attacked the line.”

Bello Mio was strapped by Rasheed Alam and also won best presented.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz