One To Watch - Sandown

Mark Smith - Wednesday November 23

Following a 50-week break, the Extreme Choice gelding Vermentino took up where he left off, making it a perfect two-for-two with an arrogant display in the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi-Bm64 (1200m) at Sandown-Lakeside on Wednesday.

Two for two for Vermentino (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Two for two for Vermentino (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Making his first start since an impressive career debut at Hamilton last December, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained 4yo gelding received a positive ride by Ben Melham. Keeping up a strong gallop, Vermentino defeated Starlea (Star Witness) by two and a half lengths, with Pocket Change (Astern) a short-half-head back in third.

It was a second winner on the day for the stable with a horse sporting the Seymour Bloodstock silks.

"He's got a high cruising speed, but he was a little fresh early because he hasn't started for a long time. He then settled sweetly and quickened well," Eustice said.

"Full credit to Lucy and the team at Cranbourne. He has had niggles and taken some time and will take a lot from that, and hopefully, he pulls up OK.

"The owners have been patient, and it's great to get a double on the day in Darren Thomas'silks and managed by Mark Pilkington.  

"He is a 4yo with only two starts, so hopefully, he has a bright future."

Bred by Yarraman Park Stud and Bell River Thoroughbreds, Vermentino failed to make his $100,000 reserve at the National Weanling Sale before selling to Ciaron Maher Racing / Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) for $210,000 when reoffered by Bell River Thoroughbreds at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

Vermentino a $210,000 Inglis Classic yearling

Vermentino a $210,000 Inglis Classic yearling

He is a half-brother to three winners headed by Denmagic (Denman), a 5-time stakes placegetter including the Group 1 VRC Myer Classic.

Vermentino is the seventh foal of Magic Zefta (Viscount), which Australian Bloodstock/Yarraman Park bought for $110,000 at the 2019 National Broodmare Sale.

A half-sister to Group II winner Go The Knuckle (Elvstroem), Magic Zefta is out of a sister to Magic Albert.

Magic Zefta has a 2yo filly, and a yearling filly by Hellbent missed last spring.

Extreme Choice has 18 catalogued for the Magic Millions, eight at the Inglis Classic and one at Karaka, from a crop of 41 live foals. 

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Race Result - Ladbrokes Same Race Multi-Bm64 1200m

Sandown-Lakeside Track: Soft(5) Time: 1:11.01
1
Vermentino
- 4g Extreme Choice (AUS) x Magic Zefta (AUS) (Viscount (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: B Melham 59.5
2
2.5
Starlea
- 4m Star Witness (AUS) x Annlea (AUS) (Canny Lad (AUS))
Tnr: M J Ellerton Rdr: D Oliver 57
3
2.6
Pocket Change
- 4g Astern (AUS) x Summer Laugh (USA) (Distorted Humor (USA))
Tnr: J P Salanitri Rdr: Alana Kelly 59.5
4
3.8
Gabstar
- 4m Star Witness (AUS) x Gabriella (GB) (Cape Cross (IRE))
Tnr: Ms C Alderson Rdr: D Moor 57
5
3.9
Place Of Gold
- 4g Turffontein (AUS) x Beautiful Pleasure (AUS) (Elvstroem (AUS))
Tnr: C I Brown Rdr: Jamie Kah 60.5
6
5.4
Kaido
- 4g Rich Enuff (AUS) x A Lust To Live (AUS) (Stratum (AUS))
Tnr: C W McDonald Rdr: B Mc Dougall 59
7
7.2
Rolling Moss
- 9g Moshe (AUS) x Zoeanos (AUS) (Tuscanos (AUS))
Tnr: Shawn Mathrick Rdr: Jett Stanley 58.5
8
8.4
Oamanikka
- 6g Oamaru Force (AUS) x Sinikka (AUS) (Distant Music (USA))
Tnr: Chris Calthorpe Rdr: Lachlan King 61
9
8.9
Huguenot
- 5g Keep The Faith (AUS) x Champagne Miss (AUS) (Danzero (AUS))
Tnr: G Eurell Rdr: Ben Allen 60.5
10
9.1
Inkslinger
- 7g Akeed Mofeed (GB) x Red Margarita (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: Brian McGrath Rdr: Hannah Edgley 57.5
11
13.4
Maldestro
- 8g Best Choice (AUS) x Chichen Itza (NZ) (Kaapstad (NZ))
Tnr: A W Keenan Rdr: C Newitt 58.5
12
18.4
Galaxy Ruler
- 4g Zoustar (AUS) x Elite Elle (AUS) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: C F Hyland Rdr: Beau Mertens 58.5
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