The Wine Steward takes Bashford Manor to become first stakes winner for Vino Rosso
July 3, 2023
The Wine Steward rolls to victory in the 2023 Bashford Manor S. – Coady photography
Champion Vino Rosso got his first stakes winner July 2 at Ellis Park when The Wine Steward drew away powerfully in the final furlong of the $225,000 Bashford Manor S.
The Wine Steward shipped to New York from his Kentucky base to record a sparkling maiden special weight debut win by six lengths May 28 at Belmont Park. He returned to the Bluegrass State and turned in another stellar effort in Sunday’s six-furlong contest.
The bay colt broke well and raced in third a couple of lengths off the leader Go Otto Go down the backstretch. He was forced to go three-wide on the turn, yet came into the stretch full of run as he swooped past the leaders. Highly-regarded Wilson Q gave futile chase as The Wine Steward pulled clear to win by 2 ¾-lengths in 1:10.06 on a fast track.
“I was looking at his replay last time, and he was able to break and be behind horses,” winning rider Luis Saez said. “I think with some more distance, he’ll really like it. I really loved the way he came home. The plan was always to be behind the speed. We knew he’d have a big turn of foot, and he did.”
A perfect 2-for-2, The Wine Steward has earned $164,010 for owners Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher. The New York-bred was purchased by his trainer Mike Maker for $340,000 out of the 2023 OBS March 2-year-olds sale.
The Wine Steward was bred by Sequel Thoroughbreds LLC, Lakland Farm and Mark Toothaker. He is the first foal out of Call to Service, whose sibling Isotherm was a multiple graded stakes winner.
Now with a pair of stakes horses, Vino Rosso is second on the First-Crop Sire list, with fellow Spendthrift stallion Mitole currently occupying the top spot.