There was a short-priced favourite in the $50,000 Canberra Black Opal Preview (1000m) on Friday, but Capitalist colt Amazing Eagle came up short when beaten by the local home town hero Vella’s Best.
Trained at the track by Gratz Vella, Vella’s Best was considered a long shot making his debut, but scored a half length win booking his spot in the $200,000 Group III Canberra Black Opal Stakes (1200m) on March 10.
A $40,000 Inglis Classic purchase from Vinery Stud for his trainer, Headwater gelding Vella’s Best is the fifth winner from six to race from Here de Joy, an unraced half-sister to stakes-winner Zoometric and to the dams of Discreet and Hijack Hussy.
Here de Joy is now in foal to another Vinery Stud based son of Exceed and Excel in Exceedance.