Dashing Debuntante

Following a six length trial win, Costa Viva (3 f Encosta De Lago - Vivacious Spirit, by Bel Esprit) made a successful debut in the open three-year-old Ekraar at Linwood Park (1200m) on August 31 at Ruakaka.

After a lovely preliminary, Costa Viva secured a perfect run in the trail on an easy tempo and clear to challenge at will on straightening she required only a slap on the shoulder from jockey Craig Grylls to draw away for a two and half length victory.

On footing rated Dead6, Costa Viva covered the 1200 metres in 1:11.51 and returned healthy odds of $3.40 & $1.70 when starting second favourite in the six horse field.

She rolled on nicely after the line, making a great start to a racing career that Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman believes holds plenty of promise.

“She did it handily and showed pretty good racing manners for a filly having her first start,” said Bridgman. “She travelled nicely, got a bit of luck to get out on the corner and once in the open she quickened up beautifully. She was strong over the final furlong, really went away and the horse in second [Donnie Brasco] is no mug, so you would have to be impressed for her first start. She couldn't have done it in better style.

Like many fillies of her age, Costa Viva has the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) as a goal within her spring campaign in early November at Riccarton.

“She will work towards the 1000 Guineas and where we go in the interim will be decided in due course, but at this stage that is the main aim for the spring,” said Bridgman.

Costa Viva is owned by Dave & Nicky Hurst, Dianne Ford and Ray & Jan Batten and was purchased at the 2012 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $100,000.

“We scouted the grounds looking at the fillies and David liked her and bought her,” said Bridgman.

Costa Viva is from a Bel Esprit (Royal Academy) mare that won three races over sprint distances, and in turn from mares by Snippets (Lunchtime) and Last Tycoon (Try My Best) that also won up to 1250 metres.

Picture from www.raceimages.co.nz

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