DELAGO'S 3YO MAKES THE GRADE

Delago Brom’s exciting 3YO, Verdasco, is off to a great start by registering an emphatic victory on debut at Echuca on Monday (3 August).

A close relation in blood to Champion filly Alinghi, Verdasco was bred by John Schembri and snapped by Bendigo trainer Sean Mott at the 2008 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $17,000.

Sean takes up the story: “We turn over two or three every year at the Breeze Up sale and we really liked him (Verdasco). We decided to put a $50,000 reserve on him after a couple of jockeys had given me some positive feedback, but he was passed in for $44,000.”

Luck’s a fortune in this game and Sean’s decision to keep the horse could pay huge dividends, particularly as the 3YO also won a Bendigo trial on 20 July before his Echuca romp.

According to Sean, Verdasco will now be targeted at the $130,000 Inglis Bonus race at Seymour on 23 August.

Out of the Canonise mare, Make The Grade, Verdasco is a half brother to four winners including the Melbourne stakes placed Ashtaroth and Sandown winner Molexio.

Make The Grade is a half sister to the stakes placed Oceanfast, better known as the dam of Alinghi, the Encosta de Lago (sire of Delago Brom) winner of 11 races, including four at Group One level.

Verdasco’s victory followed hot on the hoof of The Other Man’s win at Warrnambool on Sunday (2 August) and Ecstatic Macau’s Group placing in Macau on the weekend.

Not surprisingly, the phone has been ringing hot all week … especially given the 3 for 10 offer which allows breeders to send three mares to any of five Eliza Park stallions – Delago Brom, Written Tycoon, Clangalang, Danbird and Delzao – for $10,000 inc. GST.

Given that Delago Brom’s service fee is $8,250 inc. GST, it’s incredible value.