With a classy performance at Riccarton this afternoon, Wize Act became the third individual winner this season for freshman Canterbury sire Zacinto.
The Terri Rae-trained filly was the $1.40 favourite for today’s nztba.co.nz Supports South Island Racing 2YO, having finished a wayward second in her only previous start. With that experience under her belt, she had little trouble clearing maidens today at the second time of asking.
Ridden kindly by Samantha Wynne, Wize Act took the lead early in the run home before turning back the challenge of Little Miss to win by a comfortable length and a half.
“She’s a classy little filly,” Wynne said. “I was just nursing her in the last bit because they’re pretty testing track conditions. She should keep on improving.”
Wize Act was bred and raced by Bevan and Robyn Wilson, who are also the owner-breeders of multiple stakes winner Madam Victoria.
The talented two-year-old is the latest addition to the list of winners sired by Inglewood Stud stallion Zacinto, following in the footsteps of Listed Champagne Stakes winner Zigwig and Listed Hamilton Vets Equine Stakes winner Ugo Foscolo.
“We’re thrilled to bits,” Inglewood Stud proprietor Nick Wigley said. “It’s been a great start for the stallion, and I’m thrilled for Terri and for Bevan and Robyn Wilson who are owner-breeders like us. I think this filly will be even better on firmer tracks.
“Gus (son, Inglewood Stud general manger) is lying on a beach in Rarotonga at the moment, so I had to commentate the race for him over the phone.”
Zacinto’s bright start has already prompted a service fee increase to $10,000 plus GST for the upcoming breeding season.
“It’s exciting,” Wigley said. “We’re hearing such great feedback about his progeny from a large number of owners, including one in Melbourne who might be a Caulfield Guineas prospect. There’s obviously something there, so hopefully we’re on to something.”