Winning Toast to Vino Bella

Second-up from a break, Vino Bella (4 m Burgundy - Pinstinct, by Pins) had no trouble winning the $10,000 Rating 65 1100 metres on 23 October at New Plymouth. 

Having fought well for fourth to multiple stakes' performed Mohaka (Nadeem) in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 24 September at Woodville, Vino Bella worked forward to lead under Champion Apprentice Kozzi Asano and after travelling sweetly she raced away in the straight to win by three and a quarter lengths. 

Bred and managed by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM for the Te Akau Vino Bella Syndicate, she has now won $18,700 in prize money in addition to two NZB Insurance Pearl Series bonuses taking her winnings to over $30,000. 

“She'd been knocking on the door after not going bad races and it was a nice win,” said leading trainer Jamie Richards. “Her consistency has paid off and she's won in good fashion. 

“Kozzi (Asano) rode a nice race on her, showing initiative to slide forward and lead after not being able to get cover and looked good punching her out. He changed the stick over and looks to be riding in good form. 

“Hopefully that won't be her last win and the owners have been really patient. Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) bred the mare, so congratulations to her as well and great for Libby (Richards) and Crystal (Gilchrist) who look after her in the Middle Barn. She's Crystal's favourite horse - she absolutely loves her.”

As is often the case with horses firing at the same time of year, Vino Bella had broken through for her Maiden win in October last season, and a consistent mare she is now a solid type as a four-year-old. 

In the race sponsored by Ocean Emperor at Weowna Park, Vino Bella ran the 1100 metres in 1:05.6 on Slow7 footing and returned $6.20 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

Fenton-Ellis had said previously, after Vino Bella won Pearl Series bonuses: “We have to give praise to New Zealand Bloodstock for initiating the Pearl Series Bonus scheme and providing such a lucrative format designed to support fillies and mares racing in New Zealand. We wish to thank them for the great support they give the industry, especially for a fillies and mares Series such as this.” 

The Pearl Series Scheme, which offers bonuses of $2.6m and prize money of $2.8m, is provided on up to 215 races for 2YO, 3YO, & 4YO fillies and mares. The bonuses, ranging from $8,000 to $20,000, are paid to owners, trainers, and nominators.

“All the fillies purchased by Te Akau Racing at yearling sales are nominated for the Pearl Series Scheme,” she added.

"However it's very special to win with a lass that you have bred."

Vino Bella's dam, Pinstinct, was a winner on good ground over 1200 metres and now left three individual winners of five races, and Vino Bella is a half-sister to talented gallopers The Looker (Handsome Ransom) and Enhance (Saperavi).

Interestingly, Pinstinct is out of Oregon mare Oregon Express. The same cross gave rise to the best horse sired by Champion Stallion Pins, Ambitious Dragon, who accumulated seven Group 1 wins in a total of 13, the equivalent of NZ$10.9 million in prize money, and twice named Hong Kong Horse of the Year.

Sire Burgundy (Redoute's Choice), the three-quarter brother to Darci Brahma (Danehill) - both purchased as yearlings by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM - was trained by Te Akau to win five stakes' races. Sire of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Dijon Bleu, NZ leading Second Season Sire, with nine stakes winners, seven of them as three-year-olds.

Vino Bella was strapped by Crystal Gilchrist. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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