Another Ellis Aust Group Winner

Another David Ellis selected and purchased horse has romped home to international Group victory.

Last weekend it was the scorching performance by the David Ellis purchased War Affair who claimed the $500,000 Group 1 Singapore Guineas in track record time.  War Affair, already Singapore's Champion 2YO when trained by Mark Walker is undoubtedly the best 3YO in Singapore.  This weekend it was a brilliant runaway victory by Vilanova (NZ) in the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes on Saturday - an effort that has seen the gelding continue to deliver on the promise he showed as a two-year-old.

Vilanova (Commands x Our Valpolicella, by Red Ransom) is the first foal out of the Group 3 winner Valpolicella.  David Ellis selected and purchased him for $150,000 from the draft of Haunui Farm at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale.

Now trained in Australia by Chris Waller, the son of Commands started his career in New Zealand with Te Akau when known as Catalonia.  He was trained by Jason Bridgman to win the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes for 2YOs at Te Rapa at only his second start. 

Vilanova is on track to give champion trainer Chris Waller back-to-back Queensland Derby wins after dominant display.  Waller won last year's Derby with Hawkspur and has strengthened his claims on this year's renewal after Vilanova won the Grand Prix by three and a half lengths. Pinstripe Lane was elevated to second after stewards lodged a protest which relegated Rudy to third following interference 200 metres from the finish.

Part-owner Neville Morgan revealed he was convinced by Waller to buy a half share in Vilanova before last year's winter carnival.

"Chris had a huge opinion of him after watching some of his performances in New Zealand and talked me into taking a half share," he said.

Morgan was concerned the pattern of racing, which favoured on-pace runners, would prove a stumbling block for Vilanova in the Grand Prix.

"The plan was always to go back and hope for a bit of luck and Nash rode him perfectly," Morgan said.

Rawiller said Vilanova is peaking at the right time for the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on June 7. "He's always shown that he's got that sort of performance in him but he's been a bit hot and cold at times," he said.

"It is great to see him continue the form as a 3YO he showed us in New Zealand as a 2YO.  We always knew he had the ability,” said David Ellis.