Six Win Taupo - Win 5 Fellini Fabulous
Date: 25 Aug 2022
Notching his third win on the programme for Te Akau, stable rider Opie Bosson guided Fellini (3 g Belardo - Silke Top, by Librettist) home in the $14,000 3YO Colts & Geldings 1100 metres on 24 August at Taupo.
Following a terrific juvenile season, winning two from four and finishing third to stable-mate Dynastic (Almanzor) in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m), Fellini kept finding for third in a trial on 4 August at Te Rapa, had previously finished second in a trial on the course, and brought the right record to suggest a solid resumption.
Improving from fifth at the 500m to challenge for the lead on straightening, Fellini sprinted hard to win very well over a game performance from stable-mate Malborough Bay (Darci Brahma) in second.
The performance drew an understated response of ‘he'll be right' from Bosson, rider of 87 Group One winners, suggesting plenty more to come for the talented galloper.
In the race sponsored by Hello Youmzain @ Cambridge Stud, Fellini ran 1100 metres in 1:07.4, last 600m in 34.9, and paid $2.20 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.
“He'd only had one trial in preparation, so it was a great win,†said trainer Mark Walker. “It was a very good ride by Opie. He summed up the race, when they dropped the speed he was up around them and that was the winning of the race.
“He's not a big horse, by any means, but he's very athletic and he's a winner. He loves to find the winning post and we can aim him towards some nice races as the season progresses.â€
From a talented international family, Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM bought Fellini for $40,000 from breeders Valachi Downs at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale. A year earlier at Karaka, his half-brother Chancellor (Vadamos - Silke Top) sold for $185,000.
Grand-dam Zaza Top (Lomitas) was Second Top filly in the German 2YO Handicaps and doing a great job at stud, having already left Champion 3YO in Germany Zazou (Shamardal), and Zoe Dream (Galileo), winner of seven from 2300m to 4050m in France. She has also left Group Two placed Za Za Gabor (O'Reilly) in New Zealand, a half-sister to Silke Top.
Speaking on behalf of the owners in the Te Akau Fine Fashion Racing Partnership, syndicate manager Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM said: “I do wish to acknowledge Terry Campbell, club president, and the team here at Racing Taupo.
“This track is pivotal for spring racing and throughout the year in terms of preparation for horses as they go on to bigger targets.
“We have worked very closely with the club for a number of years and they're an incredibly accommodating and professional team to deal with.
“Thank you Cameron (Ring) and the team at Cambridge Stud for sponsoring the race, you truly do so much for the industry in terms of sponsorship and support. We can't wait to inspect the progeny of this ripper new stallion Hello Youmzain - Cambridge Stud is undoubtedly in for a wonderful season as we also welcome Almanzor back, and stallions bought by David and trained by Te Akau also feature as Embellish is joined by Sword of State.â€
Fellini was strapped by Mallesh Saddari.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz
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