October 8th, 2008

With smart filly Ortensia on the sidelines through injury, her sire Testa Rossa needed to come up with a replacement and did so at Flemington on Saturday when three year-old colt Tindal led throughout for an easy win in the Listed VRC Beyond Sportswear Stakes over 1400 metres.

While the Lloyd Williams owned Tindal was highballing in front, runner up Heart of Dreams (Show a Heart - Academy of Dreams by Royal Academy) was held up for a run and may have made things interesting if he’d gotten out sooner.

A $130,000 purchase for Nick Williams from the Yallambee Stud draft at the 2007 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Tindal has now won three races and placed twice from five starts earning $212,200.  Trained at Flemington for Williams by John Sadler the colt will back up in this week's Group I Caulfield Guineas (1600m) where he has drawn barrier 19.

Tindal is the first stakes-winner for his dam Indian Spice, a half-sister by Marauding to stakes-winner Chattanooga from the family of Group Two winners Berberia (by Jackson Square) and Ascorbic (by Mister C).

Tindal is the 19th stakes-winner worldwide for Vinery Stud’s Testa Rossa, whose first Hunter Valley bred babies will feature at the sales in 2009.

September 22nd, 2008

Group one racing returned to Caulfield over the weekend with the Underwood and the Invitation Stakes the features of the day.  The card was complimented by a number of group events including the two Group Three Guineas Preludes for the colts and fillies.  

The fillies Thousand Guineas Prelude was taken out by the bonny Ortensia who proved too slick for her rivals.

Ortensia was backing up a week after she had ran home gamely behind Dan Baroness in the Group 3 Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley and on Saturday she looked fantastic in the mounting yard as Dan Nikolic paraded the bay daughter of Testa Rossa. 

Jumping from barrier seven in the 12 strong field she got away best under Nikolic easily finding the front without any pressure.  The Dubai Destination filly Apenniene, raced up on the outside of Ortensia.  At this point they were only travelling at a steady working gallop.  Nikolic made his winning move when he allowed Ortensia stride away from the tiring Apennine as Sugar Babe moved up to put her in a pocket.  Nikolic awake to the tactics of his rival asked Ortensia to sprint away from her rivals on the point of the turn.  Getting a winning break on them she had enough in hand to account for Romneya, who had plenty of trouble gaining a clear run and then stormed home, to win by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Sugar Babe (Exceed And Excel - On Type by Zeditave) covered extra ground rounding the home bend was next in for third another two-and-a-quarter lengths away.

Ortensia was purchased by respected Bloodstock Agent Steve Brem at the 2007 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $50,000 from the draft of Riverside Stud.  Brem purchased her for Emma Ridley, Darley Dubai's Manager, and her partner.  In a twist Romneya is owned by Ridley's employer.

Ortensia is trained for Ridley by Tony Noonan whom she and her partner had met in Dubai when Noonan had campaigned Smart And Mighty at the rich Dubai World Cup. 

Noonan told TVN's Bruce Clark, “She’s just such a lovely filly, she ate up everything after the Moonee Valley run and really did well during the week,” 

“She improved a fair bit from last Saturday and still has a bit of improving to do heading towards the 1000 Guineas.

“She’ll go into the Manifold Stakes on Turnbull Stakes day and then into the 1000 Guineas”.

Ortensia is out of the unraced Picnicker mare Aerate’s Pick, a sister to Group Three MRC Rubiton Stakes winner Intelligent Star and a half-sister to the Group 3 MRC Autumn Stakes winner, Blaze the Turf (by Blazing Sword), who in turn is the dam of the stakes winning Soleil (by Flying Spur).   

Ortensia is Aerate's Pick's first stakes winner and her second winner as she is also the dam of Glogirl (by General Nediym).  Aerate (by Loosen Up) is out of Rule The Turf (by Ruling) a half-sister to Eau D'Etoile (by Sir Tristram) who has produced the group one winning Filante (by Star Way), AJC Epsom Hcp and MRC Caulfield Stakes, Bint Marscay (by Marscay), STC Golden Slipper, and, Kenny's Best Pal (by Bletchingly), VRC Australian Guineas.

In another twist, Bint Marscay, is the dam of Mannington (by Danehill), who in turn is the dam of Ortensia's rival Romneya (by Red Ransom) and the VRC Group I Derby winner Benicio (by More Than Ready).

In winning the Group 3 Thousand Guineas Prelude, Ortensia, gave her sire Testa Rossa his 18th stakes-winner and just for good measure on the day Testasaurus (ex Nova Clause by Weasel Clause) won a two metropolitan wins in the last year Handicap at Cheltenham Park giving him a interstate metropolitan double.  Testa Rossa stands in the Hunter Valley at Vinery Stud and this spring his fee is listed at $38,500.00 (inc gst).

June 8th, 2008

Winter racing can become very boring when no jumps races appear on the card and although this was the case at Flemington the winners of the first and last race on the card look to have bright futures.  In the opening race the Peter Armytage Hcp (1410m), Tindal led all-the-way to claim a soft victory.

Tindal was saddled up by John Sadler who trains from Flemington and sporting a black set of blinkers for the first time he didn't give his rivals a chance when rated well by apprentice Willy Hernan. 

Mount Everest was best to begin but Tindal was able to push up on the inside of him in a matter of strides before Hall slowed the tempo.  As he cornered Brunello was able to ease around to issue his challenge, with the rest some way back, however Tindal had plenty in reserve and quickly dropped Brunello (Testa Rossa - Marsiliana by Marscay) and claimed a two-and-a-half length win.

The event gave Testa Rossa the quinella, while Definitive (Redoute's Choice - Mascara Magic by Citidancer) did best of the rest in third.

Owned by Nick Williams and his parents Lloyd and Suzie Williams, Tindal will be put away for the spring.

Nick was at Flemington and told TVN's Bruce Clark that the colt looked very promising although he was unlucky to be beaten at Moonee Valley last start when he struck interference on the home turn when he finished a length second to Dr Doute's over 1200m on May 24.

"He had to do a little bit of work to get across and he did a good job from there. He had them off the bit a long way from home," Nick said.

"I think the big track helped and he didn't pull too hard in the blinkers, they seemed to do the trick with him. He raced a lot more truly.

"He's been a bit inexperienced and he's still learning.

"I'll have a chat with Dad and with (racing manager) Jim Bowler later in the day but I'd imagine this will be it for him for the time being as I'm not sure there's much more for him at this time of year."

Tindal, is out of the Marauding mare Indian Spice, a half-sister to Chattanooga (Scenic), winner of 14 races including the Listed Kevin Heffernan Stakes, and the stakes placed Flying Spice (Flying Spur) and Cooktown (by Brief Truce).

February 24th, 2008

So good was Publishing feeling after his all-the-way win in the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes at Caulfield he decided to go for another gallop without his jockey after he had dismounted getting away from his attendants.  Publishing was stopped on his way back to his tie up stall after the entire took fright and cantered around the mounting yard, losing his winning rug and raced down the race amid warning cries that he was on the loose.

Safely captured by an attendant to the relief of Nick Williams who was representing his father Lloyd.

Williams had just finished speaking with Bruce Clark from TVN saying what a nice 'stallion prospect' the bay son of Testa Rossa and Sally Magic (by Keltrice) would make and he does that!

Ridden by Steven Arnold, Publishing was quick from the gates and crossed to lead the field with Valedictum pressuring him on his outside for most of the way. Arnold gave him more rein on the home turn where he set up a winning break and he went on to score by two lengths from Stillme (Blevic - Mrs Parnell by At Talaw) with The Fuzz (Danasinga - Drama Queen by Prince of Praise) a neck away third. 

Publishing has now won two stakes races since having a second throat operation in January last year. 

The operation involved tying back a flap in the horse's throat but it needed to be redone after the tie fell out on the home turn when he was a short-priced favourite in the Magic Millions three-year-old race on January 13 last year. 

On New Year's Day, Publishing won the Group Three Standish Hcp (1200m) at Flemington which is where his next mission is likely to be in the Group One Newmarket Hcp (1200m), March 8th.

Publishing was bred by his part owner John Singleton who races the horse with Lloyd Williams. 

His sire Testa Rossa won the 1999 Magic Millions Classic and his dam Sally's Magic finished second in the same event and that is how Singleton decided to mate Sally's Magic back to the horse who had defeated her as a juvenile. 

Testa Rossa will be represented at the 2008 William Inglis Premier sale (March 2nd-6th) with 47 yearlings on offer he has another four yearlings for sale at the Magic Millions Adelaide sale (March 10 - 12).  With 12 catalogued at the Magic Millions Premier sale (March 24 - April 2nd) and two at the William Inglis Easter select sale (April 20 - 24th) buyer's interested in his stock are well catered for.

January 5th, 2008

At Sandown on Saturday Slow Talkin Walter capped off a great week for his sire, Testa Rossa, when he claimed the Rancher Hcp (1200m).  On New Year's day Publishing gave Testa Rossa his 14th stakes winner when he led-all-the-way to claim the Group 3 Standish Hcp (1200m).

Slow Talkin Walter  is named after the Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water, which was sung by a drunk when the song came on a jukebox in a bar in Banff, Canada, the inebriated singer mangled the words to, Slow Talkin Walter or, more accurately to Sloooow Taaaalkin Waaalter, and Victorian racehorse owner Alan Jager, laughing and listening, believed they would make a great name for a horse.

Slow Talkin Walter won the Rancher Handicap at Sandown with jockey Damien Oliver in the saddle for Jager and trainer Colin Little.

Oliver had Slow Talkin Walter settled in the first half of the field and rounding the home turner Oliver had the four-year-old within striking distance and proved too strong for his opponents to beat Benson (Danehill - Lake Alexandrina by Bluebird) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Jeuneyman (Jeune - Huntingdale High by Military Plume) a short neck away in third.

Little told TVN that he (Slow Talkin Walter) raced in blinkers at the end of his last preparation, when a three-year-old, and again at Sandown last week when he disappointed in running sixth. "He pulled too hard the other day, so we pulled the blinkers off him," he said.

"Last time he was a bit lost. He used to get back, but now he's more switched on, he knows a bit more. The blinkers were detrimental to him last time."

Slow Talkin Walter, is out of Best Pal (by Kenny's Best Pal) who descends from a family that's produced What's The Verdict (by Court Sentence) the winner of the Group I 1000 Guineas and is the result of a foal-share deal with John Cappelin, who raced the sire, that cost the owners $11,000.

Testa Rossa is having a great season with 49 winners earning $1.9million since August 1st.

Testa Rossa will be represented at the 2008 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale (January 28th) with a lone offering he does however have 47 yearlings on offer at the Inglis Premier sale (March 2nd-6th) to be held at Oaklands Junction.

January 2nd, 2008

Vinery Stud's resident stallion, Testa Rossa has started 2008 off well when his son Publishing led all the way to claim the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Tuesday.

Ridden by Sebastian Murphy, who was celebrating his 18th birthday, he guided the John Sadler-trained and Lloyd Williams owned horse to a neck victory over Eskaw in the $200,000 feature.  Pencelaron who looked to be Publishing's main danger near the 200m, battled on to finish a head away third.

The Group Three feature was Murphy's first group success and the apprentice is only one winner away from out riding his allowance - with a year to go on his apprenticeship!

While Murphy is not attached to a big Melbourne stable, Publishing's owner feels it is only a matter of time.

"He's a great young man," Williams said of Murphy.

"I'm a keen watcher and I've been watching him. I like the way he rides.

"I think one of the very big stables will snap him up when the time comes."

Publishing's overall record is very good, along with $253,050 in earnings, he has five wins and one second from just 12 starts and appears capable of going on with his good form during the autumn.

In winning the Standish Publishing gave Testa Rossa his 14th stakes winner. He was purchased by Graeme Rogerson at the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale for $250,000. 

He is from the dual winning, stakes placed Keltrice mare Sally Magic, a half-sister to the group three placed Industrious (by Zeditave). Sally Magic is also the dam of the Listed SAJC City of Marion Stakes winner Miss Mooney Mooney (by Redoute's Choice) and the five-time winner Sally's World (by Agnes World). 

Testa Rossa will be represented at the 2008 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale (January 28th) with a lone offering.

December 30th, 2007

Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer's super season continued on Saturday at Moonee Valley with Redhead Rage's win in the El Segundo Handicap (1600m).

Dyer has trained 53 winners this season and Redhead Rage's victory came on top of his very good run behind Dartbolt at Sandown on the Lakeside course, December 19th. 

Redhead Rage was ridden by Craig Newitt, giving him his second winner of the day, and he appeared to respond best to Newitt when he put the whip away.    Identity took up the running at the 1200m to set a solid pace as Newitt had Redhead Rage well back towards the rear of the field.  Boulton went up to tackle Identity inside the 600m and got clear on the turn with Sea Battle after him.  these two started to tire inside the 100m and Redhead Rage stormed over the top of them to land the prize by a neck from Sea Battle (Quest for Fame - Peppie by Danehill) with Tatnat Secret (Secret Savings - My Juliet by Canny Lad)  a short half-head away in third. 

Redhead Rage was offered at the 2004 William Inglis Melbourne Autumn yearling sale where he sold for $22,000.00 from the draft of Yallambee Stud to Sutton Grange Racing.  In claiming his fifth victory at his 25th start Redhead Rage took his earnings past $87,000.00 a tidy profit for his connections.  He is out of Brave Scene (by Scenic), a winner of two races.

October 8th, 2007

Testa Rossa has got the new season off to a flyer siring a treble of winners on Saturday.  

The treble was headed by his top-earner, Vormista, who claimed the Group 2 UCI Stakes (registered name: Rose of Kingston Stakes 1400m) by a widening two lengths.  

Trained at Morphettville by Mark Minervini, the chestnut travelled kindly for Dwayne Dunn towards the rear of the field.  As Like It Is made her bid for glory, Vormista cantered up beside her and gave her rivals a cold as she burst to the front to race right away over the concluding stages.

Bellini Rose (Faltaat - Raise The Play by Defensive Play), fought on well over the final furlong, but was no match for Vormista.  El Pauji (Flying Spur - Tambara by Thunder Gulch) was a half-neck away in third. 

Vormista's overall record is impressive, along with $232,500 in earnings she has four wins and three seconds from eight starts to her credit with her lone defeat being at her debut in November last year.  She appears capable of going on with her good form during the spring.

Vormista was purchased for $130,000 by Minervini from the draft of Yallambee Stud at the 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.  She is from the unraced Bellotto (USA) mare Truly, a half-sister to stakes-placed Something Stunning (by Jukebox) and to the dams of Group 3 winner Ashkaleta (by Ashkalani) and stakes-winning sprinter Natural Tycoon (Monde Bleu).

Minervini has indicated that he'll give Vormista another opportunity to claim group one glory, after Gold Edition defeated her in the Group I Manikato Stakes on September 15, at Flemington in four weeks time on November 3rd in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).

Forty minutes earlier at Flemington, Testa Rossa's daughter Red For Lou showed plenty of heart to claim the Scalzo Food Industries hcp (1720m).  

Red For Lou is building a handy record with five wins and six placing's from her 26-start career with earnings of more than $200,000. 

She was purchased by her owner, Mr N David, at the 2004 William Inglis Melbourne Autumn Yearling sale for just $26,000 and since she has repaid him in spades.  Along with her tough win on Saturday Red For Lou has a Group 3 runner-up placing to her credit in the R. A Lee Stakes at Morphettville on her resume.    Red For Lou's dam Luxapal (by Kenny's Best Pal) has produced two foals, both are winners and and her great grandam, Polo Princess (by Agricola) has produced the WATC Ascot Gold Cup winner, Angle Island (by Sea Anchor).

Redhead Rage (ex Brave Scene by Scenic) was the third winner for Testa Rossa when he took out the Rating 68 Hcp (1200m) at Murtoa.

July 24th, 2007

Racing returned to Caulfield on Saturday and Mornington based trainer Michael Fahler continued his good run when Red Jesteress dived late to nail Magistra Delecta in the Glenvill Homes Hcp (1100m).

Fahler, had stepped out the promising Bankers Lamp (Fantastic Light - Spice Girl by Southern Appeal) in the opening race on the card to give the heavily backed Allervite a run for the money in the Snitzel Handicap (1000m) to miss by a little more than a length.  In the fourth his four-year-old daughter of Testa Rossa settled off the medium tempo set by Magistra Delecta, who was having her first start in Australia since being well beaten in the Group I Telegraph Hcp at Trentham in New Zealand on January 20th.

Magistra Delecta had led the field up and was still going strongly as they straightened, with the field fanning behind her.  After being well back on the turn, Red Jesteress unleashed a powerful run from the 300m.  She raced to the front inside the final furlong and nailed Magistra Delecta (Al Akbar - Grosvenor' Girl by Grosvenor) on the wire.  Moxies's Jewel (El Moxie - jewelled Splendour by Snaadee) ran another honest race for third a head away.

Red Jesteress is out of the winning Crown Jester mare Quip and Jest, who also finished third in the MVRC Listed William Crockett Stakes, Quip and Jest is the dam of five living foals with three winners to her credit.  

Red Jesteress had been catalogued for sale at the 2004 William Inglis Melbourne Autumn yearling sale, but when she failed to meet her reserve of $40,000 with bids stopping at $27,500.00, the breeder kept and raced her.  A wise decision as Red Jesteress has proved to be very consistent only missed a cheque at six of her 16-starts with earnings topping $70,000.

February 4th, 2007

Yarra Valley trainer Shane Nichols celebrated his maiden black type success on Saturday when Wordsmith (Testa Rossa - Way With Words by Yeats) streeted his rivals in the $200,000 Group 3 The Debonair Stakes (1200m).

But bigger wins could be in store for Nichols with Wordsmith now likely to be one of the leading fancies for the $755,000 Cadbury Guineas on 10 March on the strength of the win.

Ridden patiently by star jockey Steven King, Wordsmith (ex Way With Words by Yeats) settled just off the speed in the six-horse race before making his move rounding the home turn. The colt then careered away in the home straight to beat General Albert (Magic Albert - Lusso by Prego) and longshot Mondano (Spartacus - Brielle by Copper Kingdom).

There was no hiding Nichols excitement after the race.

“I’m just very excited to win a group 3,” Nichols said.

Nichols confirmed after the race that the Cadbury Guineas was the main aim for Wordsmith this campaign. He contested both the Caulfield and Sandown Guineas in the Spring, finishing sixth and third respectively, but Nichols said he is a more mature horse this time in.

“I knew he’d come back physically better but until they step out and do it you’re never quite sure, but I think he’s improved a little,” Nichols said.

“Early in the piece I think he probably didn’t quite get it (the Guineas distance of 1600m), but he does now.”

King was also taken with Wordsmith’s performance.

"He won like a really good horse,” he said. “When I asked him to let down he really accelerated. He’s got a bright future.”

Testa Rossa capped the day off with a double when his son Furio (ex Central Express by Century), took out the Super Vobis Leonard Plate (1514m) with an emphatic victory.

January 7th, 2007

At Rosehill on Saturday, Testa Rossa's daughter, Vecchia Roma raced her way into the rich juvenile Magic Millions race on the Gold Coast next week after her nice win. 

Trained at Randwick by David Payne the filly, was ridden by Queensland based Brad Pengelly and jumped away well from barrier six to sit just behind the early leader Da Fazz (Fasliyev - Dandify by Danehill).  Getting a nice cart up to the corner, Pengelly, angled around the tiring Da Fazz and let her sprint home to comfortably take out the Parramatta Leagues Club Handicap (1200m).

Letting down very nicely she had a super turn-of-foot to beat Aqua Calda (Royal Academy - Tilt My Halo by Halo) by 2-3/4 lengths with Glenarvon Girl (Bianconi - Sorrento Star by Tuscany Flyer) another length away third. 

Pengelly, told TVN that he was very happy with the filly's performance saying,  "I gave her cover to teach her something." 

"She sprinted well and has good gate speed and has plenty of improvement in her," Pengelly continued. 

Her trainer David Payne confirmed that Pengelly would ride Vecchia Roma in next Saturday's Magic Millions, and he's hoping that the all important barrier draw will be kind to her.

Vecchia Roma is by 1999 Magic Millions winner Testa Rossa, who has 12 yearlings on offer at the Magic Millions sale, out of the Rustic Amber mare Mirror Image. A full sister to Vecchia Roma is catalogued as lot number 908 and will go under the hammer during the early stages of the fifth session of the sale on Monday week (January 15).

Vecchia Roma is the only runner to date for the Flemington winning Rustic Amber mare Mirror Image.  Mirror Image is one of three winners from a half sister to Flemington stakes winners Great Sabre and Blazing Sword.

The subject filly is a member of the draft of the Darling Downs based Couzinz operation (as agent). Couzinz have nine yearlings catalogued for sale.

January 2nd, 2007

Emerging three-year-old Publishing again showed off his talent on New Year's Day at Caulfield by treating his opposition with contempt in the Scobie Breasley Handicap (1400m).

Ridden by Michael Rodd, for his owners' Lloyd Williams and John Singleton, Publishing jumped away best and ambled to the front.  Never under any pressure at any stage of the race even though he had Harvard up beside him until the home turn.  Publishing simply dropped him at the top of the straight and strode away to score a comprehensive win by three-quarters of a length, clocking 1:22.9sec for the seven furlong race.

With that win Publishing will head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Trophy over the same distance, however, Rodd's main concern with the day at the Gold Coast isn't the opposition, but the tight track and the hype accompanying the day.

On Monday, he was looking at himself on the big screen.  Rodd told TVN, "That's nothing to what he'll find up at the Coast with the crowd, the marquees, and the tight track."  

"Those are my biggest concerns," Rodd continued. 

Again on Monday Publishing was able to dictate the race to his rivals, and he maybe better, when he gets in a high speed event and take a sit five or six lengths off them - and giving him something to chase.

By Testa Rossa, from Sally Magic, the colt is the winner of his past three starts, and is still learning.  Although Publishing was annoyed early on in race he was able to account for his older rivals in very good style - just what you want to see going into a big race.

Testa Rossa has 12 yearlings for sale at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast, commencing January 11th, and one lone entry for the Premier Sale at Karaka in New Zealand, commencing January 29th.

December 24th, 2006

Exciting Melbourne three-year-old Publishing has booked himself a trip to Queensland for the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy with an emphatic two length win in the Thrice Handicap (1400m) at Sandown on Saturday.

Sent out as the punters' elect following an effortless win last start at Caulfield, Publishing never gave his supporters any reason to worry as he struck to the front in the home straight and then strolled to victory.

Trained by Graeme Rogerson and ridden to victory by the stable's Melbourne rider Michael Rodd, Publishing is now set to head north and clash with Gold Edition and Permaiscuous in the million dollar feature for three-year-olds.

Rodd was impressed with the performance from the Testa Rossa colt.

"He had four kilograms more than any of the others," Rodd pointed out. "He had to show a good turn of foot and he did."

"The best thing is he is still learning," he said referring to the fact today was just his seventh career run.

Rodd said Publishing had the race won before the post and he wanted to cruise to the line once he kicked clear of his rivals.

"He got to the front too soon and half pricked his ears. He's still on the up."

Publishing will be suited at the Gold Coast according to Rodd - a popular jockey who used to be based at the southern Queensland track.

"He's such a versatile horse," Rodd added. "He can race anywhere in the field. And he'll be suited at the (Gold Coast) track

Rodd is wary of the Group One winning filly Gold Edition who is the current warm favourite for the million dollar Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 3YO Trophy.

"Gold Edition is a tough, tough filly and she'll be hard to beat, but you still need the luck and you never know."

Publishing was purchased by trainer Graeme Rogerson for $200,000 from the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast for high profile owner Lloyd Williams.

Williams offered breeders John and Julie Singleton to retain a share in the Testa Rossa colt - wisely they said yes.

Publishing's record now reads out at three wins and a photo finish second placing from just seven starts and prizemoney of $86,550.

The three-year-old colt is a result of a mating of the first two horses over the line in the 1999 Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast.

On that day Testa Rossa proved four and a quarter lengths too good for Sally Magic. For old times sake the Singleton owned Sally Magic was sent to Testa Rossa.  Sally Magic is dam of three foals and all are winners including the Listed SAJC City of Marion Stakes victoress, Miss Mooney Mooney (by Redoute's Choice).

November 28th, 2006

Testa Rossa's daughter, Hanna Rossa proved that her first-up win this preparation at Kyneton wasn't a fluke by taking out the John Bourke Plate (1300m) at Sandown on the Hillside course on Saturday.

Trained at Mornington by Tony Noonan, the four-year-old, was able to settle for her rider Chris Symons off a moderate pace set by Fullazz.  As the tempo picked up at the half-mile marker, Hanna Rossa was in the perfect position just behind Fullazz.  Evilweb and Dirty Denim appeared to be travelling well also.  

In the finishing stages Hanna Rossa (ex Johanna by Umatilla) was too strong for Fullazz (Redoute's Choice - Battonage by Kenmare) and claimed her third win by a long head.  

Evilweb (Encosta de Lago - Money Spider by Sovereign Red) didn't shirk her task at any stage and with 58kg's she fought on solidly for third a short neck away.

Hanna Rossa is a plain bay mare and although she had some weight relief on Evilweb and Fullazz she appears to have a touch of quality about her.

November 12th, 2006

The Melbourne Cup Carnival has been very kind to Testa Rossa, producing a winning double at Flemington on Thursday and taking out the opening race on Emirates Stakes day on Saturday with Bond Street.

On Thursday, the consistent three-year old Furio broke through for his first stakes success in the Listed VRC Star Track Express Stakes in a tough manner carrying 58kilos.  Ridden by Darren Beadman, Furio settled in the pack and scored a tough three-length win over last start listed Geelong Classic winner, Gorky Park.

Retained to race by his breeder Robert Crabtree, Furio has won three races and placed four times from 13 starts earning more than $200,000 in prizemoney.  Furio was stakes-placed three times as a juvenile last season and has blossomed this spring, he is the second stakes-winner produced by his stakes-placed dam Central Express, whose earlier foals include the dual Group Three winner Amtrak.

The Mick Kent trained filly Collodi notched her first metropolitan win when taking out the open three-year old fillies event over 1700 metres.

A $35,000 purchase for Doncaster Bloodstock from the 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Collodi looks a promising type with two wins and a placing from just five starts.

Plucked from the draft of Kilora as agent for Monterey Stud, Collodi is from the good producing Scenic (IRE) mare Keshiki, a half-sister to Group Two winner Full at Last from the family of stakes-winners Consular, Bleveeka, Chuckle and former brilliant juvenile Catnipped.

On Saturday, Bond Street took out the Sally Malay Sprint (1100m) with a tough effort.

Jumping well Bond Street travelled on the 'Grandstand' side of the famous Flemington straight course behind Artorius showing the way.  Bond Street was saved for a sharp sprint by his rider Craig Williams and came home much too strongly for Electric General (General Nediym - Prodigious by Zoffany) to score by a long head. Harvard (Masterclass - Flying Melody by Karoi) was another head away in third in a very busy finish.

Bond Street is building an impressive record with four wins from six starts and one placing. He is out of the listed Vanity Stakes winner Northern Bisque (by Tolomeo) who hails from Ayala (by Biscay) a sister to Bletchingly. 

October 17th, 2006

Victoria Derby dreams for the connections of Deledio received a significant boost in Adelaide on Saturday when the colt scored an upset win in the listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Cheltenham.

Sent out at big odds, the son of Testa Rossa led and defied his rivals in a performance that impressed his "part time" trainer Richard Jolly.  Jolly saddled up Deledio for the third occasion after he had been transferred over from the stables of Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman.

An $80,000 purchase for Slade Bloodstock from the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast, Deledio will now return to Freedman with the Group One Victoria Derby a possible target.

"I gave him a good each way chance," Jolly said. "I couldn't believe he was one of the outsiders of the race."

Jolly said the decision to use his natural speed to work to the front and attempt to control the race was the winning move.

"He's a good grinding type of horse who cruises at the one speed and it's best to have them up at the front," Jolly added.

"He'll head back to Lee now and he said he would run in either the Geelong Classic or the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley." 

A proven city winner in Melbourne as a two-year-old Deledio is another successful graduate of prominent syndication company Slade Bloodstock. With syndicates among the main group of owners the colt has 27 owners spread around the country.

Among the owners are ace V8 Supercar driver Cameron McConville and SAJC committee member and former chairman Peter Lewis.

He is named after star young Richmond AFL player Brett Deledio. Rob and Corinna Slade are mad Tigers fans and the inspiration came from the dam's name Youthful Presence (by Dehere). Not long after Deledio was named his two legged namesake was crowned the rising star of the competition. 

Deledio showed great fight when he was headed shortly after straightening for home and he came back to beat Delusion (More Than Ready - Away With Fairies by Fairy King) by a head. Bettws (Zabeel - Clear Rose by Deputy Governor) was a distant four lengths back in third place. 

September 24th, 2006

Bonny Testa Rossa mare Speedy Rossa took on a smart field on the Underwood Stakes under card at Caulfield on Saturday.

Ridden by Andrew Mallyon, for Matt Ellerton, he got Speedy Rossa away well from barrier nine to take the lead with the race favourite Pin Up and Kammoora settling in behind her.  Mallyon dictated the tempo of the race almost racing at hacking speed while the rest of the jockeys went to sleep on their mounts giving them no chance.  

With the tempo at dawdling to the home turn, Mallyon was able to click Speedy Rossa home in slick 34.53 giving nothing else a chance and scored an easy 1-1/2 length win over Dyna Myta (Keltrice - Keshiki by Scenic) with Benko (Bianconi - Neranto by Esperanto) another short neck away in thrid.

Speedy Rossa's, (ex Thopedo by Thunder Gulch), win was her fifth career victory and took her earnings past $250,000, a tidy profit for her connections, as bloodstock agent Henry Plumtree purchased Speedy Rossa from the 2004 Magic Millions Premier Sale from the draft of Chastwood Stud as agent for just $80,000.

July 2nd, 2006

Versatile galloper Speedy Rossa showed her liking for Flemington's seven furlongs winning her third race at the distance from only her fifth start beating a very strong field of males in the True Version Handicap on Saturday.

Speedy Rossa settled in third spot early behind the early leaders Crepes on the inside and Marjor who took the field along a strong tempo for the first two furlongs.  Dropping the speed back to an even tempo as they got to the 1000m pole Speedy Rossa was enjoying the run of the race with the race favourite Maybe Better another six horses away.  As they came around the turn, Speedy Rossa, ridden by Brent Stanley, pulled out to make her move and sprinted away with a nice break showing very good acceleration to kick clear, going on to win nicely by a length.  Maybe Better (Intergaze - Amarula by Rubiton), was having his first run in 40 weeks, just took a little while to get into the clear and finished off nicely, but Speedy Rossa already had a winning break.  Marjoru (Marju - Court Princess by Rory's Jester) showed grit to hang on for third.

Speedy Rossa (Thorpedo by Thunder Gulch), is raced by the Contract Racing Syndicate and trained for them by Mathew Ellerton who  indicated to Steve Moran on TVN that the filly up back again this weekend at Flemington if she did well during the week.

May 8th, 2006

Super Sunday was just that for Vinery Stud when its’ stallions claimed the Group One double at Morphettville.

Testa Rossa, who has been relocated to Vinery's Hunter Valley base for the coming spring, sired the winner of the Group One South Australian Derby (2500m) with More Than Ready producing the Goodwood Hcp (1200m) winner.

Testafiable went into the Derby after finishing third to Headturner in the AJC Australian Derby. Trained in Melbourne by Peter Moody, the colt was ridden by Greg Childs and despite pulling hard early, had too much class, drawing away to beat Empire Gold (Second Empire – Gerona Gold by Tarlac) by 1-3/4 lengths with Irazu (Monolith – Miss Snazzi by One Pound Sterling) third another half neck away.

Less than an hour later Vinery was again topping up the champagne glasses when Perfectly Ready claimed the Goodwood Handicap (1200m). A son of the stud’s More Than Ready, Perfectly Ready held off Sassbee (Blevic – Aneret Gold by Marquee Star) by three-quarters-of-a-length. Squillani (Shagny – Zephyr Note by Zephyr Zip) was another length-and-three-quarters away in third.

Perfectly Ready was having his first run since his eighth behind Proud Tower Too a US Grade I winning sprinter who made all in the Golden Shaheen at the World Cup meeting in Dubai. At Morphettville the three-year-old colt was taking on older seasoned sprinters. His trainer Mick Price instructed jockey Steve Baster to stay close to the rail. Doing just that, Baster, got away best from barrier one. Perfectly Ready, travelled well and showing his class he recorded his third win, his first race at the highest level, with a dominant performance.