Ridgeport owner Santo Guagliardo has struck a rich vein of form in Victoria with recent debut winners Kokako and Regina D’Italia.
The Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans-trained stablemates have been given time to mature and will continue to improve during their second campaigns in the summer months.
Kokako (4m Swiss Ace – Cortado by More Than Ready) won the Bennett Racing Maiden Plate (1340m) at Geelong on September 13 after being purchased privately in New Zealand. She had won a Tauranga trial in January and Guagliardo bought a half-share from her breeder Gerry Harvey on the advice of Group 1 Bloodstock agent Mat Becker.
“Blake Shinn gave Kokako a peach of a ride at Geelong,” Kennewell said. “She was a little lost after hitting the front but got the job done. We did have to tinker with some headgear changes early on but she’s much better now. We’ve tipped her out and she will be better again next time in like a lot of those Kiwi-bred mares.
Harvey bred her using his Karaka-based Westbury Stud stallion Swiss Ace (Secret Savings) over a winning More Than Ready (USA) mare and that cross has a 61% strike-rate headed by Ace Of Diamonds (G2 Singapore Guineas) and Little Giant (G3 Sha Tin Vase).
Regina D’italia (3f Dracarys – Jardine by Stryker) returns to training this week after winning the Rural Store Maiden Plate (1000m) at Terang last month. “We’re looking forward to this prep and so is Blake,” Kennewell said. “We paid $50,000 for her at the Magic Millions QTIS Yearling Sale last year.”
“I’ve set myself a goal of riding 200 winners this season and was happy to travel when Lloyd and Lucy asked me to ride her at Terang,” Shinn said. “She jumped in front and responded when challenged. She does everything right and Santo will be rapt with that win.”
Regina D’italia is a half-sister to Meridius (Extreme Choice) who won the LR C S Hayes Memorial Cup (1600m) at Morphettville in March. He’s trained by Kennewell and Yeomans for a syndicate managed by Guagliardo.
Kennewell had also won black-type for Guagliardo last year with talented filly Show Royale (Showtime) in the LR Cinderella Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville. “Santo has been a great supporter and we topped the Adelaide Magic Millions this year with a $400,000 filly by I Am Invincible.
“I was on the phone with Santo and we didn’t even start until she got to $340,000. I told him this is the ‘Vinnie’ I really want for you and we got her with our second bid.
“Santo has his own stud now with two stallions and we’re on the lookout for fillies that will one day win black-type races before retiring to his property in WA.”
The record-breaking ‘Vinnie’ filly has been named Invincible Lover.
Ridgeport Farm is home to Rommel (Commands) who stands for $6,600 alongside Ducimus (Snitzel) at $5,500. Both fees (inc GST). For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).